Former Indian cricketer Ambati Rayudu is set to make a splash in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) as he gears up to represent the St Kitts & Nevis Patriots in the highly anticipated 2023 edition of the T20 tournament. Rayudu’s inclusion comes as a replacement for Tristan Stubbs, who is now unavailable for the season.
Rayudu, a seasoned campaigner with 61 international matches for India and an impressive tally of 291 T20 matches for various teams, brings a wealth of experience to the Patriots lineup. Having been an integral part of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) squad that clinched their fifth Indian Premier League (IPL) title in May earlier this year, Rayudu’s expertise is expected to be a significant asset for the Patriots.
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Rayudu will be the key player in title pursuit for St Kitts & Nevis Patriots
The St Kitts & Nevis Patriots, determined to regain the CPL title they secured in 2021, have made a strategic move by acquiring Rayudu’s services. His remarkable record of over 4000 runs in the cash-rich IPL adds substantial firepower to the Patriots’ batting arsenal, enhancing their prospects in the upcoming tournament.
Notably, the 2023 CPL season is poised to commence on August 16. The Patriots’ first match is scheduled against the Trinbago Knight Riders on August 19, setting the stage for a thrilling showdown as Rayudu and his new team embark on their quest for CPL glory.
It is worth mentioning that Rayudu had initially committed to represent the Texas Super Kings in the inaugural Major League Cricket (MLC) competition in the United States. However, just days before the MLC’s commencement, Rayudu withdrew from the league. This decision came in response to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) proposing a one-year cooling-off period for retired Indian players before they could participate in overseas franchise leagues.
🇰🇳@RayuduAmbati joins the @sknpatriots for #CPL23. Fresh from winning the IPL, Rayudu will be with the Patriots for their first game on 19 August.
READ MORE: https://t.co/wVND00OIIS #CPL23 #CricketPlayedLouder #BiggestPartyInSport pic.twitter.com/euBlrkAFqQ
— CPL T20 (@CPL) August 11, 2023
Rayudu’s involvement in the upcoming CPL season is positioned to signify a notable achievement. If all unfolds according to the plan, he is set to be just the second male Indian cricketer to make his presence felt on the CPL platform. The honor of being the first was claimed by veteran leg-spinner Pravin Tambe, who represented the Trinbago Knight Riders in the 2020 edition of the tournament.
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