Rayudu named mentor of Junior Super Kings team

According to Chennai Super Kings, Ltd, CEO, KS Viswanathan, the young cricketers of the Junior Super Kings who have performed exceptionally well in the district and state level tournaments over the last two years have been selected to take part in the event. 

Earlier, it was also revealed that the player draft for the outstation cricketers for the third edition of TNPL will be held on Wednesday.

The International Junior Academy Tournament, Yorkshire, is scheduled to begin from July 8 and expected to go on till 19th of this month. The venue will be Ampleforth college in North Yorkshire. 

“It is a great opportunity for these youngsters. And CSK has provided that opportunity because we have cricket in our hearts”, Viswanathan said on the sidelines of announcing the Under-17 team here on Tuesday.

“We want the youngsters at the grassroots level to come in and play at this level. They also have an opportunity to play at higher levels and also probably play for CSK someday”, he added. Elaborating, he said the budding youngsters who have performed well at the league and state matches conducted by Tamil Nadu Cricket Association have been selected to take part in the tournament.

Noted cricketer Ambati Rayudu has been selected as the mentor and the coach will be S Sharath, he said. 

Despite missing out on the tour of England after failing to clear the YO-YO test, the 32-year-old Rayudu was hopeful of representing the country soon. “I have not given up hope of playing for India. The dream to represent the country is very much alive and I’m confident of clearing the test when it is held the next time.” 

Rayudu, who played a key role in CSK’s third IPL triumph this season, said he expected to do even better next year. “The whole team and the support staff ensured that the atmosphere was conducive for success. We were in very good space mentally and that really helps. Skipper MS Dhoni knows how to extract the best from his players and it was a wonderful experience playing for CSK,” explained Rayudu.

Meanwhile, former BCCI president N Srinivasan said he was sad that Rayudu would not be playing in England. “I am sad he is not going to England. I never comment on selection. As a cricket aficionado, I am sad that he is not going to England,” he added.

The Junior Super Kings Jersey, as part of encouraging the youngsters, was also unveiled on the occasion.