Former Indian cricketer Ambati Rayudu is set to be a part of MI Emirates in the upcoming edition of the International League T20 (ILT20). This decision comes after Rayudu’s retirement from all formats of Indian cricket post the conclusion of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023. The ILT20’s second edition is scheduled to commence on January 13.
Rayudu’s association with the MI Emirates franchise was announced via their official Twitter account. The franchise expressed excitement about Rayudu’s addition, stating, “This iconic story was never over. Ambati Rayudu is ready to write yet another illustrious chapter in blue & gold.”
Other players in the squad
The MI Emirates franchise also secured the signatures of eight other players, making this a comprehensive move to bolster their squad for the upcoming ILT20. The newly signed players include Kusal Perera, Akeal Hosein, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, Corey Anderson, Waqar Salamkheil, Odean Smith, and Nosthush Kenjige. Notably, four out of these eight players have previously represented various Mumbai Indians franchises in different cricket leagues.
Ambati Rayudu has a history with the Mumbai Indians franchise, having played for them in the IPL from 2010 to 2017. Corey Anderson was also associated with MI from 2014 to 2016. Waqar Salamkheil and Odean Smith were part of the MI Captain team in SA20 2023. Nosthush Kenjige was a player for the MI New York team in MLC 2023.
MI Emirates managed to retain 12 players from the previous squad, resulting in a total squad size of 20 for the upcoming season. The retained players include Kieron Pollard, Dwayne Bravo, Nicholas Pooran, Trent Boult, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Andre Fletcher, Muhammad Waseem, Zahoor Khan, Jordan Thompson, William Smeed, McKenny Clarke, and Daniel Mousley.
With this exciting new addition, the MI Emirates squad for the ILT20 is shaping up to be a competitive force in the tournament. Fans are eagerly anticipating Ambati Rayudu’s performance in the blue and gold colors of MI Emirates as he adds another chapter to his cricketing journey.
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