Rayudu didn’t feature in CSK’s playing XI for the game against Gujarat Titans.
Taking to Twitter, Rayudu wrote: “I am happy to announce that this will be my last ipl. I have had a wonderful time playing it and being a part of 2 great teams for 13 years. Would love to sincerely thank Mumbai Indians and Csk for the wonderful journey.”
However, 36-year-old deleted the post minutes later, hinting that he has now reversed his decision. Later, CSK CEO Kasi Vishwanathan also confirmed that Rayudu isn’t retiring, saying he will be with the franchise next year.
See Also: ‘We are going through slight problems’, admits CSK insider amid Rayudu’s retirement u-turn
Amid the development, Chennai coach Stephen Fleming on Sunday (May 15) talked about the issue during a press conference held after the CSK-GT clash.
Rayudu didn’t feature in CSK’s playing XI for the game against Gujarat Titans, which the defending lost by seven wickets at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
"It was not disappointing, it was probably a little bit of a storm in a teacup, to be honest. But, I think he was fine. It has not changed anything in the camp but it is a non-story," Fleming said, as quoted by NDTV.
Rayudu’s deleted tweet had stirred a debate as fans and experts started speculating whether everything was fine in the CSK camp.
But CSK CEO clarified the matter while speaking to NDTV, stating: "He was a bit disappointed that he was not doing well. So, he mistakenly put out that tweet. I have explained things to him. He is not retiring. He will be with us."
Ambati Rayudu began his IPL journey with the Mumbai Indians (MI) in 2010. He was part of the Mumbai-based franchise till 2017, winning three titles with them.
Rayudu was roped in by CSK at the 2018 mega-auction and he went on to win two more IPL titles with the Yellow Army. The right-hander was bought back by the Super Kings at the IPL 2022 auction and he has featured in 12 games this season, scoring 271 runs from 10 innings at a strike rate of 124.31.
(With NDTV inputs)