Ambati Rayudu returns to Baroda after seven years

Experienced batter Ambati Rayudu has returned to Baroda after a gap of seven years for the upcoming domestic season, a report by PTI said.

Baroda Cricket Association chief executive Shishir Hattangadi confirmed to PTI that Rayudu had approached the BCA before the start of Indian Premier League. A senior BCA official said that Rayudu will be playing in the 'professional' category.

Rayudu who made his first-class debut for Hyderabad in 2002 and has played 96 matches scoring 6101 runs at an average of 45.53. 

He moved to Baroda in 2010 and played 32 Ranji Trophy matches for them until 2015, scoring 2010 runs from 50 innings at an average of 49.02. He also played 15 List A matches and 17 T20s for Baroda. Besides Hyderabad and Baroda, he represented Andhra and Vidarbha in the domestic circuit.

Meanwhile, according to Hattangadi, the Apex Council of the BCA wants former India all-rounder Yusuf Pathan to be the team mentor.

"We have sent him (Yusuf) a letter of intent and we are waiting for things to be formalised," added Hattangadi.

(With inputs from PTI)