After Chennai Super Kings (CSK) emerged victorious in the 2023 Indian Premier League (IPL), their captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni playfully mocked batter Ambati Rayudu. In the rain-curtailed final against the Gujarat Titans (GT) on May 30 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, CSK secured a five-wicket win. Rayudu played a pivotal role in the summit clash, contributing a crucial 19 runs off eight balls, which included a boundary and two sixes.
Dhoni lauded Rayudu for always giving his utmost on the field. While also humorously remarking that having Rayudu on his team would prevent him from winning the Fairplay Award. Rayudu’s crucial cameo against GT helped CSK regain momentum when the run rate was slipping away for the visiting team, showcasing his value to the team’s performance.
“The special thing about Rayudu is he will always give his 100% when he is on his field. But with him in the team, I will never win the Fairplay Award,”
Dhoni said.
Rayudu always wants to contribute, He has been a fantastic cricketer: Dhoni
After clinching the IPL 2023 title, skipper MS Dhoni expressed heartfelt appreciation for Ambati Rayudu, who announced his retirement from the lucrative league. Dhoni acknowledged Rayudu as an unsung hero in Indian cricket, highlighting his exceptional ability to handle both pace and spin. According to the legendary captain, Rayudu possesses a rare skill that allows him to excel against both types of bowling, further emphasizing his valuable contribution during his tenure in the sport.
“He (Rayudu) always wants to contribute and he has been a fantastic cricketer. I’ve been playing with him for a long time, since the India A tours. He’s a player who can play spin and pace equally well. It is something really special. I felt he would do something really special, I’m really happy for him,”
Dhoni said.
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