Top cricketers must 'have a certain fitness level' – Ambati Rayudu
Rayudu, 32, was selected to play the one-day internationals against England in July but failed to clear the mandatory yo-yo fitness test, which is a benchmark for all India players, and was replaced by Suresh Raina. Having cleared it later, he is back in the scheme of things and impressed on his first appearance with a patient, unbeaten 62 against Australia A in Bengaluru as India A chased down the target of 152 runs with five wickets in hand.
"I was disappointed with myself that I could not clear the Yo-Yo Test," Rayudu said after the match. "I have nothing against the decision to make the test compulsory. Every Indian team cricketer has to have a certain fitness level. To be honest, I believe in it. I was disappointed in a way as to why I could not clear the test, so I worked towards it and cleared it."
Rayudu's India selection in July came on the back of some impressive domestic performances, the most recent of which at the time was his aggregate of 602 runs in 16 innings at a strike rate of 149.75 for Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League 2018.
"Fitness is definitely important for cricket. Obviously one has to be absolutely fit to play," Rayudu said when queried about being match fit in the IPL but not for India. "I am happy that there is a certain kind of a benchmark and a bar. It is just that everybody has to respect it and move forward."
The disappointment wasn't the first of its kind for Rayudu. He had to return from India's tour of Zimbabwe in 2015 due to a quadriceps injury and spent a year in recovery. He returned from injury and played for India against the same opponents in 2016 but couldn't quite cement his place in the XI.
"I missed a year due to an injury. This year, I could not clear the test for the last series, so I am actually happy to be back to play for India A," said Rayudu.
With the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 less than a year away, and India set to play ODIs at home, the ongoing quadrangular series may have come as a blessing for the Hyderabad batsman. "In a country of one billion people, if you are able to represent your country, it is a matter of pride," he said.
"I am happy that I am now in the scheme of things with the India A team, and I’m waiting for the opportunity to wear the national colours again."