Ambati Rayudu happy' with his progress in ODIs

Harare: Ambati Rayudu may have been used as a floater on a regular basis in India's ODI team, but the Hyderabad batsman on Monday said he is "happy with the way" his career has gone so far.

Rayudu struck an unbeaten 41 to guide India to a comfortable eight-wicket win over Zimbabwe in the second match of the three-match ODI series here.

"I am really happy with the way my one-day career has gone. Given the guys that we have in the team, somebody has to do the role that I am doing. It's just important to stay focused and take my opportunities when they come," Rayudu said at the post-match press conference.

"For me, generally, it's just about getting my batting in shape. Visualization is the key I think. I try to keep myself motivated and focused. I prepare myself before a game as though I am going to play it. It doesn't really matter what series it is, preparation is the same. I just prepared the way I would for any series. I don't set myself any goals."

In the course of his unbeaten 62 against Zimbabwe in the first ODI match on Saturday, Rayudu crossed the 1000-run mark in ODIs. The Hyderabad batsman needed just 29 innings to get to the milestone and in the process, he became the joint third-fastest among the Indian players to reach the mark.

"I am happy with the way I am batting. Unfortunately, everybody couldn't get a chance. You know the conditions well, but still it's different every time. I haven't really looked into the past. I have worked on my game and I am happy with that."

Asked if India are eyeing a whitewash now, he said, "I think when you put on this jersey, definitely, you need to go and do the job for your country, it doesn't really matter whom you are playing against. I am sure everybody would be keen to win the last game."

Rayudu was satisfied with the pitch used for Monday's game.

"I think the wicket was really good, nothing much was happening, first game it was doing a lot. Today, I thought maybe they could have batted a little better."

It was a dominant performance yet again from the new-look Indian side whose bowlers first skittled the hosts for a lowly 126 in 34.3 overs and the batsmen hardly broke a sweat to get past the target in only 26.5 overs.

Rayudu made his ODI debut in 2013 against Zimbabwe in Harare and scored 63 not out to enable India win the game.