Rayudu retires from first-class cricket to focus on shorter formats

In a surprise development, India player Ambati Rayudu has decided to retire from the longer version of the game, including Ranji Trophy.

In a communication to the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) on Saturday, Rayudu informed that he wanted to focus more on limited-overs cricket and the T-20 format.

"I will continue to play international and domestic matches of the shorter version. And, I take this opportunity to thank the BCCI, HCA, Baroda Cricket Association and also Vidarbha Cricket Association for giving me the opportunities over the years," he said in the letter.

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"It has always been an honour to play for Hyderabad and I can never forget the kind of support I got from all those here, including my fellow players, coaches and the officials. And especially, the way I was welcomed back into the BCCI fold after the stint in the rebel ICL," he said.

This has come as a huge surprise to the cricketing circles as Rayudu is expected to join Hyderabad for its second match of the season against Tamil Nadu next week, having missed the season opener against Kerala as he was on national duty.