CHENNAI, Aug. 25: For Ambati Rayudu, the BCCI amnesty offer was a chance to voyage into rediscovery. A batsman with enormous potential, Rayudu was a classic example of self-destruction. Luckily for him and Hyderabad, the youngster has clung firmly to the last straw and wants to make up for lost time. His knock of 97 in the Buchi Babu semifinals against Karnataka was only a continuation of the good show he had started in the KSCA Trophy.

In the two innings in Bengaluru, Rayudu made a hundred and 35. In Chennai the returns have been impressive. A century was followed by an unbeaten 38 against Kerala.

"The last month has been extremely satisfying. More than anything else I am happy to be in Hyderabad colours again. I have always enjoyed the longer version more. It gives time to have a better look at the bowlers," said Rayudu.

A tighter all-round game is seen as the reason for Rayudu’s consistent scores. "He is coming back from playing a lot of T20 cricket. It’s a matter of making minor adjustments for duration cricket and I am sure he will be able to adapt quickly. His return has certainly added to our top-order," noted coach Venkatpathy Raju.

Though Rayudu was unlucky to miss another hundred, he appeared in no trouble at any point of time. Walking in at the fall of the first wicket, the right-hander timed the ball fluently from the start. Presenting the full face of the bat and solid with his footwork, Rayudu was a picture of perfection.

"It was a wicket with a bit of bounce and suited strokeplay. All I wanted to do was stay till the end of the 90th over. I was disappointed at getting out at that stage," explained the 24-year-old.

Rayudu prefers the longer format. "The ICL taught me a few valuable lessons and there is a lot from that can be used in duration games. My scoring areas have improved and when you are playing a 90-over game there seems to be so much more time and all it takes is a calmer approach."