Former India batsman Ambati Rayudu has expressed his willingness to come out of retirement and represent Hyderabad in all three formats, a little less than two months after he drew curtains on his cricketing career.

Rayudu, who announced his retirement after being ignored for the 2019 World Cup, wrote to Prof Ratnakar Shetty of the BCCI, who is also one of the members of the Committee of Administrators of the Hyderabad Cricket Association , expressing his willingness to play for Hyderabad again.

He said it was good that Rayudu had realised his mistake after being spoken to by senior players, including former India star Laxman.
“It is good that he has realised his mistake after being spoken to by senior players, including VVS Laxman, and has decided to withdraw his retirement,” Shetty added.

“He has a lot of cricket left in him and his presence will help the youngsters in Hyderabad CA,” the veteran administrator pointed out.“Ambati is known to me since 2000 when he was a part of the under-15 team and was a promising talent. It is good that he’s back.”Meanwhile, Noel David said it would be a boon to have Rayudu back in the Hyderabad team and hoped he would do well for the state.

The 33-year-old cricketer had sent an e-mail to the HCA on Thursday, stating that he would like to come out of retirement and play in all formats for Hyderabad. He had also thanked Chennai Super Kings, India great VVS Laxman and Hyderabad selection committee chief Noel David for their support.

Shetty said the decision taken by Rayudu was a hasty one and it was good that he had realised it and chosen to withdraw it now.“I was surprised when he took the decision to retire which I feel was a hasty one,” Shetty, a veteran BCCI administrator, said.

“It is great news for us. It will be a boon to have him back in the Hyderabad team. His experience and class will be of great advantage to us. He has always done well for us and we hope he will continue do so and lead from the front,” David, a former India player said. “Rayudu’s presence in the team will be good for the younger players,” he added.