Former Indian cricketer Ambati Rayudu started trending as soon as Punjab Kings (PBKS) defeated Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by 18 runs in the IPL 2025 match in Mullanpur on Tuesday (April 8).
Rayudu has often found himself in the middle of a social media storm ever since he openly voiced his support for the legendary MS Dhoni and CSK.
The former CSK batter is also an open critic of RCB and often mocks the Bengaluru-based franchise for not winning an IPL title yet.
No wonder, Rayudu is having a tough time in both the Hindi commentary box and social media with Dhoni and CSK not doing well in the ongoing IPL. However, he is not at all bothered by the brutal trolling.
On Thursday (April 10), Rayudu sent a message to his trolls through social media platform X (formerly Twitter).
“I was a Thala’s fan. I am a Thala’s fan. I will always be a Thala’s fan. No matter what anyone thinks or does. It will not make a one percent difference. So please stop spending money on paid pr and donate that to charity. Lot of underprivileged people can benefit,” Rayudu wrote.
Recently, Ambati Rayudu had a fiery exchange with fellow commentator Sanjay Bangar during a recent ESPNcricinfo panel discussion on the ongoing IPL season.
The debate kicked off when the panel dissected MI’s decision to use former captain Rohit Sharma as an Impact Substitute.
“I think Rohit’s absence on the field is hurting from a leadership point of view. He could probably give Hardik the right input as well,” Bangar said, emphasizing the value of Rohit’s experience.
Rayudu, however, was quick to counter, staunchly defending Hardik’s decision as captain. “I don’t think Hardik needs input. A captain needs to be left alone,” he interrupted, drawing parallels to how Dhoni operated without constant interference.
“Dhoni was not at his ears all the time. Same for Rohit. Then why should Hardik have 10 people at his ears?” Rayudu argued.
The exchange went viral on social media as fans, particularly those of rival teams like RCB and MI, came up with hilarious memes and jibes, accusing Rayudu of being a “Dhoni fanboy” and blindly loyal to CSK.
Having lost four out of their five matches this season, Chennai Super Kings are currently languishing at the ninth spot in the 10-team points table. The five-time champions will next face the defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders at Chepauk on Friday (April 11).
