Ambati Thirupathi Rayudu, born on September 23, 1985, is a former Indian international cricketer renowned for his middle-order batting skills, occasional wicket-keeping, and right-arm off-spin bowling. He represented the India national cricket team in 61 limited-overs matches between 2013 and 2019. In addition to his international career, Rayudu has been an integral part of the Hyderabad domestic cricket team, Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL), and the Texas Super Kings in Major League Cricket.

Rayudu’s cricket journey started early when he made his first-class debut for Hyderabad at the age of 16 in 2002. He gained attention with his exceptional performances, even captaining the India Under-19 team in the 2004 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup. However, disputes and his association with the Indian Cricket League (ICL) led to his exclusion from the national team. He returned to domestic cricket after accepting the BCCI’s amnesty offer in 2009 and showcased his prowess with both Baroda in domestic cricket and Mumbai Indians in the IPL.

He eventually made his way into the Indian national team in 2013, making his debut in an ODI against Zimbabwe. Rayudu’s performances were notable, and he became a consistent member of India’s limited-overs squads. He played crucial roles in various series, including a maiden ODI century against Sri Lanka and being a part of India’s 2015 Cricket World Cup squad.

Despite his successes, Rayudu’s international career faced ups and downs. He announced his retirement from all forms of international cricket on July 2, 2019. In May 2023, he announced his retirement from the IPL and subsequently from all forms of Indian cricket. He then joined the Texas Super Kings in Major League Cricket, marking his first foray into a franchise league outside India.

Rayudu’s contributions to Indian cricket were marked by his versatile skills, ability to adapt to different roles in the team, and consistent performances. His journey from being a young talent to a seasoned professional reflects his dedication and passion for the sport. Rayudu is also recognized for his association with Chennai Super Kings and his presence in the cricketing landscape both within India and internationally.