Ambati Rayudu with Trophy. (Photo Source : Twitter/@RayuduAmbati)
Veteran Indian batter Ambati Rayudu bid farewell to an illustrious IPL career in style, guiding Chennai Super Kings to their fifth IPL title and his sixth title overall, the joint most in the competition history. Following an emotional night in Ahmedabad, Rayudu penned an endearing post, confirming his retirement from all forms of Indian cricket.
Rayudu compiled an emotional letter, announcing his retirement from all forms of Indian cricket and thanking his current employers Chennai Super Kings and their fans for their unwavering support over the years. He also thanked former Indian teammate and CSK skipper MS Dhoni, labelling it as a privilege to share the dressing room with the Indian icon. He also thanked his former team Mumbai Indians, where he lifted three of his six IPL trophies.
“I am proud to finish my career as a six-time IPL winner. Being a part of Mumbai Indians’ first-ever IPL win in 2013 as well as winning the IPL title with Chennai Super Kings in 2018, 2021, and of course, 2023 are memories that will stay with me forever. It has also been a great privilege to play with captain Dhoni bhai, both with CSK and Team India. We have had some great memories over the last two decades, both on and off the field, which will stay in my heart forever,” read Rayudu’s post.
Ambati Rayudu leaves a lasting impact in his farewell game
The 37-year-old batter from Andhra Pradesh, who had already announced that IPL 2023 final would be his last match in the competition, ensured that he had a major say in his farewell match. Rayudu made his way to the crease during a rain-interrupted CSK chase, with his side in need of quick runs.
He rose to the occasion like he has done so often in his career, changing the momentum of the game, with two sixes and a boundary off consecutive deliveries from Mohit Sharma. His quickfire 19 off just eight deliveries laid the foundation of a grandstand finish which saw CSK triumph dramatically.