Raina and Rayudu Call for Increased Player Retention in IPL

Raina and Rayudu Call for Increased Player Retention in IPL

IPL Retention Debate: Raina and Rayudu Advocate for Increased Player Retention

Ahead of the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) auction, former IPL stalwarts Suresh Raina and Ambati Rayudu have called for a significant increase in player retention. They argue that maintaining a stable core is essential for teams’ success in the highly competitive tournament.

During the last mega auction in 2022, IPL teams were permitted to retain up to four players. However, as the three-year cycle draws to a close, there is a growing consensus that this number is insufficient. Some teams are advocating for the retention of up to eight players, while others believe four or five would be more appropriate.

“Personally, I feel retentions have to be a lot more because a franchise invests a lot on players,” said Rayudu. “The core of the team is what makes every team unique in the IPL. The longer the core remains, the culture of the team remains, and there is a greater chance of success.”

Raina, Rayudu’s former Chennai Super Kings teammate, echoed these sentiments. “I 100 percent agree with Rayudu,” he said. “The mega auction should be every three years. The IPL Governing Council will do what is best for the game.”

The issue of player retention has become a hot topic of discussion as franchises prepare for the next mega auction in December. Teams are eager to secure the services of their key players and build a strong foundation for the upcoming seasons.

The IPL Governing Council is yet to make a decision on the number of players that can be retained. However, the views of Raina and Rayudu, two of the most experienced and successful players in IPL history, are likely to carry significant weight in the decision-making process.

Suryakumar Yadav's Footwork Flaw: A Potential Weakness for India in T20 World Cup

Suryakumar Yadav’s Footwork Flaw: A Potential Weakness for India in T20 World Cup

Suryakumar Yadav’s Footwork Flaw: A Potential Achilles Heel in T20 World Cup

Former Indian cricketer Ambati Rayudu has identified a significant technical flaw in star batter Suryakumar Yadav’s batting technique, which could be exploited by rival bowlers in the upcoming T20 World Cup. Rayudu, now a respected analyst, believes that Suryakumar’s footwork, particularly against fast bowlers, could be a hindrance to his consistency at the international level.

Rayudu’s observations stem from Suryakumar’s recent performance against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). In the 11th over, KKR’s Andre Russell bowled a delivery outside the off-stump, tempting Suryakumar to pull towards the leg side. However, he mistimed his shot, sending the ball flat towards deep square leg for an easy catch.

“There is a plan in terms of bowling to Suryakumar Yadav,” Rayudu said on Star Sports. “You bowl slow and you bowl wide. We have seen that in the World Cup as well. When the pitch is slow with a bigger boundary on one side, teams have a plan against him. He needs to work on that a little bit.”

Despite his aggressive batting style and ability to score quickly, this technical aspect could be a hindrance to Suryakumar’s consistency at the international level. Rayudu emphasized the importance of addressing this issue to ensure that Suryakumar remains a vital asset for the Indian cricket team.

Suryakumar has maintained commendable form throughout this IPL season, tallying 345 runs in 10 matches with an average of 38.33 and a striking rate of 169.95. However, Rayudu’s insights could offer a strategic advantage to opposition bowlers in the T20 World Cup.

Rayudu Compares MI and CSK Cultures: Win-at-All-Costs vs. Process-Oriented

Rayudu Compares MI and CSK Cultures: Win-at-All-Costs vs. Process-Oriented

Former Indian batsman Ambati Rayudu has recently shed light on the contrasting cultures between two of the most successful franchises in the Indian Premier League (IPL): Mumbai Indians (MI) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Rayudu, a six-time IPL winner, has played for both teams, winning three titles with MI and three with CSK.

Rayudu’s comments highlight the different approaches adopted by the two franchises. He suggests that MI places a greater emphasis on winning, while CSK focuses more on the process. “MI mostly wants to win, and their culture is like everything depends on winning. They have a culture of jeetna hi hai (win is a must). Winning is non-negotiable,” Rayudu said.

In contrast, Rayudu believes that CSK provides a more conducive environment for player development. “CSK has a much better environment. You can play there longer. If you play in MI for a long time, toh brain fatt jayega (Your brain will explode),” he added.

Rayudu’s comments have sparked discussions about the different management styles and cultures within IPL franchises. Some experts believe that MI’s win-at-all-costs mentality can lead to pressure and burnout for players, while CSK’s focus on process and development fosters a more sustainable and enjoyable environment.

However, Rayudu has since clarified his comments, stating that they were taken out of context. He emphasized that he respects and appreciates his time at MI, acknowledging the positive impact the franchise has had on his career.

Despite the clarification, Rayudu’s initial comments have raised questions about the potential impact of different franchise cultures on player well-being and longevity. As the IPL continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how franchises balance the pursuit of success with the need to create a supportive and sustainable environment for their players.

Ruturaj Gaikwad's IPL Captaincy Debut: Ups and Downs

Ruturaj Gaikwad’s IPL Captaincy Debut: Ups and Downs

Ruturaj Gaikwad’s maiden IPL captaincy stint has been a rollercoaster ride, marked by both triumphs and setbacks. After taking over the reins from MS Dhoni, Gaikwad led CSK to a promising start with four wins in their first six games. However, consecutive defeats to Lucknow Super Giants have cast a shadow over his leadership.

CSK’s recent loss at home to LSG exposed their bowling frailties and Gaikwad’s tactical decisions. Former CSK batter Ambati Rayudu reportedly criticized Gaikwad’s field placements in the death overs, highlighting his lack of experience as captain.

However, Rayudu has since denied making such comments, slamming the publication that attributed them to him. He clarified that he was not even commentating on the day in question and was instead picking mangoes at his farm.

Despite Rayudu’s denial, the criticism of Gaikwad’s captaincy has continued. Former India batter Navjot Singh Sidhu argued that if Dhoni is credited for CSK’s wins, he should also be held accountable for their losses.

The back-to-back defeats to LSG have pushed CSK out of the playoff places, leaving Gaikwad under immense pressure. The team will face Sunrisers Hyderabad on Sunday in a crucial match that could determine their playoff hopes.

Former Indian Players Pick T20 World Cup Squads with Surprises

Former Indian Players Pick T20 World Cup Squads with Surprises

The Indian cricket team is gearing up for the upcoming T20 World Cup, scheduled to be held in the USA and West Indies from June 2 to 29. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is expected to announce the squad before the end of this month.

Former Indian players have been weighing in on the potential squad, with some surprising omissions and inclusions. Former all-rounder Irfan Pathan has included Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya in his squad, but only if he is bowling regularly. Pathan emphasized that Pandya’s batting prowess is undeniable, but his bowling effectiveness is equally important.

Pathan’s squad also features under-fire Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya, but on one condition. Pathan emphasized that Pandya’s inclusion depends on his bowling fitness, given his undeniable batting prowess. However, the effectiveness of his bowling holds equal significance; if he isn’t consistently and effectively bowling, the team’s composition warrants a reassessment.

“My squad for the World Cup. 1) Rohit Sharma (C)2) Yashasvi Jaiswal 3) Virat Kohli4) Surya Kumar Yadav 5) Rishabh pant (wk)6) Shivam Dube7) Hardik Pandya provided he is bowling regularly8)Rinku singh 9)Ravindra jadeja10) Kuldeep Yadav 11)Jasprit Bumrah 12)Arshdeep singh 13)Mohammed Siraj 14)Ravi Bishnoi/Yuzi chahal 15) shubhman gill/ sanju Samson Travelling reserves. 2 Fast bowlers, wicket keeper, batsman.” Pathan posted his squad on X.— IrfanPathan (@IrfanPathan)

Former India batsman Ambati Rayudu, who is among the Star Sports experts panel, also picked his Team India squad for the T20 World Cup. Surprisingly, Rayudu’s squad includes only one allrounder in the form of Ravindra Jadeja, while also featuring young pace sensation Mayank Yadav, who is nursing an injury.

For the middle-order batting slots up for grabs, Rayudu went ahead with the in-form players Riyan Parag and Shivam Dube, while preferring veteran Dinesh Karthik over Rishabh Pant in the wicketkeeper-batsman’s role. He also ignored KL Rahul, who has been doing well for Lucknow Super Giants in the role of ‘keeper-batsman.

Ambati Rayudu’s India squad for T20 World Cup: Rohit Sharma (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Riyan Parag, Rinku Singh, Dinesh Karthik (wk), Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, Mayank Yadav

Ambati Rayudu's Surprising T20 World Cup Squad Includes Only One All-Rounder

Ambati Rayudu’s Surprising T20 World Cup Squad Includes Only One All-Rounder

Former Indian batsman Ambati Rayudu has unveiled his squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup, featuring a surprising selection of only one all-rounder and the inclusion of injured pace sensation Mayank Yadav.

Rayudu’s squad prioritizes in-form players, with Riyan Parag and Shivam Dube filling the middle-order batting slots. Veteran Dinesh Karthik is preferred over Rishabh Pant as the wicketkeeper-batsman, while KL Rahul is surprisingly omitted despite his impressive performances for Lucknow Super Giants.

Rinku Singh is included as the designated finisher alongside Karthik. The top order remains unchanged, featuring Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, and Suryakumar Yadav.

Hardik Pandya’s poor form has cost him a place in the squad, leaving Ravindra Jadeja as the lone all-rounder. Dube has not been regularly used as a bowler by Chennai Super Kings in the IPL.

The pace attack is led by Jasprit Bumrah, with Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, and Mayank Yadav completing the quartet. Yadav is still recovering from an injury and has yet to feature for Lucknow Super Giants.

Left-arm spin all-rounder Jadeja is joined by chinaman Kuldeep Yadav and legspinner Yuzvendra Chahal as the designated spinners.

Ambati Rayudu Compares Work Cultures of CSK and MI: Winning Non-Negotiable for Mumbai

Ambati Rayudu Compares Work Cultures of CSK and MI: Winning Non-Negotiable for Mumbai

Ambati Rayudu, a seasoned middle-order batter who has played for both Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI) in the Indian Premier League (IPL), recently shared his insights into the contrasting work cultures of the two franchises.

Rayudu, who has been a part of both CSK and MI’s title-winning sides, highlighted the significant difference in their approaches to winning. While CSK emphasizes the process and remains relatively unaffected by results, MI places an unwavering focus on victory.

“CSK focuses more on the process. They don’t analyze the results much. Their mood and mood swings are not because of the results,” Rayudu explained. “MI is a bit different. MI mostly wants to win, and their culture is like, everything depends on winning. They have a culture of, ‘win is a must at all cost.’ Winning is non-negotiable.”

Rayudu acknowledged that the pressure to perform at MI is immense, as the franchise is result-oriented. However, he also praised MI for fostering an environment where players improve and become better versions of themselves.

“When I used to play for MI, my game improved a lot when I was in the franchise. If you have not won the match, they do not see an excuse. You also do not get a platform to give an excuse. At the end of the day, you have to perform. MI has an environment where you keep getting better,” Rayudu said.

In contrast, Rayudu described CSK’s environment as more relaxed and focused on the long-term development of players. “CSK has a much better environment. You can play for longer years there. But if you play for more time at MI, your brain will explode,” he joked.

Despite the contrasting cultures, Rayudu emphasized that both CSK and MI are successful franchises that work hard. He also noted that the new captains, Ruturaj Gaikwad for CSK and Hardik Pandya for MI, are bringing their own unique styles of leadership to the teams.

Ambati Rayudu: Rohit Sharma Can Play for CSK in 2025, Lead if Dhoni Retires

Ambati Rayudu: Rohit Sharma Can Play for CSK in 2025, Lead if Dhoni Retires

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is set to kick off its 17th season on March 22, with defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) taking on Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in Chennai. Ahead of the tournament, former India and CSK batsman Ambati Rayudu has shared his thoughts on the upcoming extravaganza.

Rayudu, who has played for both Mumbai Indians and CSK, believes that it will be a challenging task for Hardik Pandya to lead Mumbai Indians, given the different setups of Gujarat Titans and Mumbai Indians. He suggests that Pandya should have played for Mumbai Indians for a year before taking over the captaincy, especially considering Rohit Sharma’s continued role as India’s captain.

Rayudu also expressed his admiration for Rohit Sharma, stating that he believes Sharma can continue playing in the IPL for the next 5-6 years. He added that if Sharma desires to captain a team, he has ample opportunities available to him.

Rayudu went on to express his desire to see Rohit Sharma play for CSK in the future. He said, “I want Rohit Sharma to play for CSK in 2025. If MS (Dhoni) retires, then Rohit can lead as well.”

Rohit Sharma is the fourth-highest run-getter in IPL history, with 6211 runs from 243 matches. Mumbai Indians will begin their IPL campaign against Gujarat Titans on March 24.

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