Former Indian batting star more famous for his 3D banter on the social media during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019,Indian batting star Ambati Rayudu has always being the center of attraction during his playing days for India as well as the franchise cricket. Ambati Rayudu is known for his fearless batting and can also play the role of stabilizer if the team is in a spot of bother.
\ His appearance for the MI Emirates marks Ambati Rayudu‘s return to the MI colors for the first time since 2017, when he last represented the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Rayudu had played for the MI for eight seasons starting from 2010 and won three titles with the franchise. He was then bought by the Chennai Super Kings, where Rayudu had been a vital member of the Chennai Super Kings until he retired from the IPL in 2023.
The former right-arm batter has also represented India on 61 occasions (55 ODIs and 5 T20Is). His non-selection in the 2019 ODI World Cup created a furor in the Indian cricket fraternity. Rayudu’s defiant reaction to the snub eventually cost him a place in the Indian squad. With the Super Kings, Rayudu lifted the IPL title on three occasions (2018, 2021, and 2023).
Post his retirement, Ambati Rayudu joined YSRCP on December 28, 2023, accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister K Narayana Swamy and Rajampeta Lok Sabha member P Mithun Reddy. This decision only after 9 days of joining the party seemed abrupt but Ambati Rayudu who always has been known as a character in life has explained the need to do so.
I will stay out of politics for a little white- Ambati Rayudu
Former India cricketer Ambati Rayudu stated that he has quit politics to represent the MI Emirates, IPL franchise Mumbai Indians’ sister team, in the International League T20’s 2024 edition.
Rayudu joined the YSR Congress Party, the ruling party in Andhra Pradesh only last week. His affiliation was formalized in the presence of the state’s Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy and Deputy Chief Minister K Narayana Swamy.
“I Ambati Rayudu will be representing the Mumbai Indians in the upcoming ILt20 from jan 20th in Dubai. Which requires me to be politically non affiliated whilst playing professional sport,” he said in a statement on X.
Rayudu announced his decision to quit YSRCP on Saturday.
“This is to inform everyone that I have decided to quit the YSRCP Party and stay out of politics for a little while. Further action will be conveyed in due course of time. Thank You,” he wrote on X.
Rayudu retired from IPL and international cricket last year. He played 203 IPL matches for Mumbai Indians and the Chennai Super Kings. scoring a total of 4,348 runs at an average of just over 28 and a strike rate of 127.54.
More than the stats, Rayudu’s ability to change games in the middle overs and his ability to take on spinners at will was what made him a crucial part of his teams, including the title-winning CSK side in 2023 and would love to contribute in Mumbai’s success in ILT20.