Former India opener Shikhar Dhawan took a light-hearted dig at his ex-teammate and 2004 U19 World Cup captain Ambati Rayudu during his Hindi commentary stint in the Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru IPL 2025 match. Dhawan jokingly held Rayudu responsible for India’s semifinal loss to archrivals Pakistan in the ICC U19 World Cup 2004.

Back in 2004, Rayudu was leading a promising Indian squad and was seen as the next big thing in Indian cricket. India cruised through the group stage and reached the semifinal, where they were set to face Pakistan. However, a major blow came when Rayudu was banned from the crucial match due to a slow over rate in the final group game against Sri Lanka—an offense confirmed by both on-field umpires.

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Pakistan initially struggled during their chase in the semifinal, but managed to regroup and snatch a victory from India, securing their place in the final. They went on to defeat the West Indies to lift the U19 World Cup. Reflecting on the incident, Dhawan quipped that Rayudu’s absence in the semifinal had a significant impact on the team’s performance and may have cost them a spot in the final.

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Dhawan recalled his U/19 days

During his IPL 2025 commentary stint, Shikhar Dhawan recalled that Ambati Rayudu was a prominent name in U19 cricket and had captained India in the U19 World Cup. He mentioned that Rayudu was banned ahead of the semifinal match, which, according to Dhawan, significantly impacted the team’s performance and led to their loss in that crucial game.

"Ambati Rayudu ka bahut bada naam tha U19 mai. Humare captain the U19 World Cup mei aur waha pe bhi ban hogaye the, humara semi-final mar gaya (Ambati Rayudu was a big name in U19 cricket. He was our captain in the U19 World Cup, and he got banned there also ahead of the semi-final, and we lost," said Shikhar Dhawan during his IPL 2025 commentary work. 

In place of regular skipper Ambati Rayudu, Dinesh Karthik was assigned to lead the team in the semifinal. Batting first, Team India scored 168 runs; Robin Uthappa was the top scorer with 33. Pakistan in the second innings had a tough time at the beginning, losing wickets at regular intervals, which resulted in 5 for 83. From here, the neighboring country team turned the tables with the help of Tariq Mahmood (45 not out) and Fawad Alam (43 not out). Together, the duo stitched a match-winning 88-run partnership. 

In a major development ahead of IPL 2025, MS Dhoni is set to return as captain of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). The leadership change came after Ruturaj Gaikwad was ruled out of the tournament due to an elbow fracture. The announcement has sparked widespread excitement among CSK fans, who are eagerly looking forward to seeing Dhoni lead the team once again.

Former CSK batter Ambati Rayudu, who is now a commentator, expressed his excitement over MS Dhoni’s return as captain. Rayudu, who represented CSK from 2018 to 2023 and won three titles under Dhoni’s leadership, mentioned that fans would be delighted to see Dhoni back at the helm. The former India middle-order batter also added that Dhoni always had the magic to inspire a CSK comeback and believed it would be a great story if he managed to guide the team into the playoffs. 

"Dhoni always has the magic to make CSK comeback. It will be a good story if he can lead the team into the playoffs," the former CSK batter told in the viral video.

Ambati Rayudu talking about MS Dhoni lead CSK again & Ruturaj Gaikwad ruled out from IPL 2025. (ESPNcricinfo).pic.twitter.com/D6hQIob7ch

— Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) April 10, 2025

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Rayudu Backs Dhoni to Work His Magic

Ruturaj sustained the injury in a game against the Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Guwahati. Although he played on while in pain for the subsequent matches, an MRI later confirmed an elbow fracture. CSK head coach Stephen Fleming clarified that the initial X-ray was not certain, but the MRI showed the extent of the injury. Fleming praised Gaikwad’s effort to continue playing despite the pain but confirmed that the team had no choice but to sideline him for the rest of the season. “We’re disappointed and feel for him. He tried hard, but now we’ve appointed MS Dhoni as captain for the rest of the tournament,” Fleming said.

CSK hasn't yet started well with IPL 2025, standing with a mere single win against five games played and being currently ranked at 9th place on the points table. Yet, under the captaincy of Dhoni, the expectations remain for a resurgency. Fascinatingly enough, retained as an uncapped player in ₹4 crores, Dhoni emerges the very first uncapped captain IPL history has witnessed. CSK is next facing Kolkata Knight Riders on Friday, April 11

Former Indian cricketer Ambati Rayudu came into the headlines recently not because of his gameplay but over a heartfelt tweet that soon turned into meme fodder. On April 10, 2025, Rayudu shared a tweet and wrote an emotional note about the unflinching support of MS Dhoni, lovingly referred to as "Thala." His tweet stated, "I was a Thala's fan. I am a Thala's fan." I will remain a Thala's fan," and then a request to people to give charity rather than waste money on paid PR.

Though Rayudu's intention was altruistic and his devotion to Dhoni commendable, the internet had other intentions. Soon enough after his tweet became viral, parody versions of his message began emerging. Most prominent among them was a parody tweet in the form of gibberish masquerading as a jumbled-text parody mock of the original message's formatting with comical gibberish. Another fan account reposted Rayudu's original tweet word for word, further adding fuel to the meme wave.

Also Read: Watch: Virat Kohli reacts to his first IPL POTM interview

The incident quickly turned into the ultimate example of how Twitter supporters, particularly of cricket, are never slow in transforming serious entries into comedy material. Rayudu's heartfelt message, meant to convey his affection towards Thala, has now transformed into a meme format utilized across various comedic variations on social media.

Twitter Reacts: From Emotional to Hilarious in Seconds

I oya a oola’s fan
I om a oola’s fan
I wil oloyes a Oola’s fan.

Oo mateers Oat Uila thils or dus. Eat wil not maa a ooya persent difeellence

— Tusshar Kapoor (Parody) (@82ndDUBAI) April 10, 2025

I was a Thala’s guard
I am a Thala’s guard
I will always be a Thala’s guard

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.

— Abdominal Guard (@RunMachine_King) April 10, 2025

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 🥵🚉

— Kharagpur Railway Station 🚉 (@ovrseas_century) April 10, 2025

I was 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.

— Run Out (@DarkhumourIND) April 10, 2025

Also Read: IPL 2025: Why do cameramen always focus on girls?

I was Thala's Anthem
I am Thala's Anthem
I will always be Thala's Anthem

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.

— BoleJoKoyalGaana (@Hikesi5) April 10, 2025

I was a Thala’s father
I am a Thala’s father
I will always be a Thala’s father.

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

— 𝐘𝐎𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐉 𝐒𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐇 (@Fatherof_dhobi) April 10, 2025

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.

— New Zealand (@NZlovesThala) April 10, 2025

Whether it is the affirmation of the feeling or participation in the memes, one thing becomes certain, Ambati Rayudu's tweet brought cricket Twitter together in laughter, appreciation, and trolling, all at the same time.

It's always natural whenever MS Dhoni comes to the field has lots of buzz and craze all around, same as in the combo where former Indian cricketers Navjot Singh Siddhu and Ambati Rayudu held with a funny banter. It was the match between CSK vs PBKS at Mullanpur. Where PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer won the toss and elected to bat first. Within their 20 overs Punjab Kings (PBKS) scored 219 runs, with an excellent knock by Priyansh Aryan who scored 103 runs facing 42 balls. 

It was a well-known fact that it wouldn't be an easy chase for CSK as they haven't chased a big target this season and they have lost their games by chasing targets above 180. Another thing to note in this match was that CSK had sloppy fielding which aggravated the score. CSK started their innings well this time where they attained the highest power-play score of this season. 

Read More: Watch: Drama unfolds on the field as Riyan Parag clashes with umpire after disputed dismissal

But it couldn't last long as wickets followed right after the powerplay but Devon Conway played with a flow. His partnership with Shivam Dube gave a major hope that CSK could achieve this target, but Dube too left the course half-cooked. Then came Dhoni at no 5 he played a cameo of 27 runs of 12 balls which precised that CSK could win the game but after the wicket of Ms Dhoni the momentum fully shifted to the PBKS side where they won the match by 18 runs marking their fourth loss in the league. 

MS Dhoni Coming With A Sword

It was the wicket of Shivam Dube and there came MS Dhoni no when Dhoni was getting down the stairs former CSK player Rayudu who was in the combo said Dhoni looked warmed up and ready, he looked like he was lifting the sword, not the bat.  When Dhoni came to bat Siddhu said every target was achievable and Rayudu went over to him stating It seemed MS Dhoni was coming out with a sword in his hand, not a bat. The sword will be wielded tonight, and it will be Dhoni's sword that will be wielded. 

Dhoni Cricket khelne aye hain Guru ? Yudh ladne nahin ? …. #IPL pic.twitter.com/MUmn6ivgyN

— Navjot Singh Sidhu (@sherryontopp) April 9, 2025

But Navjot Singh Siddhu countered Rayudu's statement saying "Guru, you're saying like he is not coming to play cricket but to fight a war, "A few days before too Ambati Rayudu and Sanjay Bangar had a heated argument about playing Rohit Sharma as an impact player which was roasted widely in internet and now this banter between Siddhu and Rayudu has been the talk of the town. 

It is those commentators who made a match more entertaining, engaging, and complete. But what will happen if two commentators or experts are sitting in front of a live camera and start throwing words at each other?

Read More: "If You're Nervous, You’ll Drop a Catch" — Captain Ruturaj reacts after loss to Punjab Kings

This exact thing happened in this season's Indian Premier League. Former team India cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu and former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) player Ambati Rayadu had set the put the flame on a high note during a conversation season. As per media reports, this incident took place during the Mumbai Indians (MI) vs. Chennai Super Kings (CSK), which was held on March 23 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.

Three experts—Ambati Rayadu, Navjot Singh Sidhu, and Sanjay Bangar—were there in a panel. Bangar was sitting in the middle, Sindhu was on his left side, and Rayadu was on his right-hand side. They started their discussion on how Hardik Pandya, as the skipper of the Mumbai Indians, can enhance his leadership abilities. Bangar said that, in this matter, five-time IPL winner Rohit Sharma can help him a lot; with his guidance, Pandya can learn more about how to lead a team.

The moment of the incident 

Though Rayadu was not convinced with this idea. According to the former CSK player, MI's current skipper can do his work alone; multiple opinions can harm a leader's capability and decisions.

Siddhu owned both rayadu and dhoni 😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/JLsf8iOOrZ

— Tezas (@Tezas_14) April 8, 2025

The moment got more intense when Sindhu replied to Rayadu with his own style, "What you are saying is completely wrong. Girgit agar kisi kaa aaradhyadev hain toh woh tumhara hain (If there is someone who is like a chameleon, it is your idol). The video of this moment of conversation went viral on social media platforms. In reply, Rayadu burst out laughing only.

Mumbai Indian's new tactics of bringing former captain Rohit Sharma as an impact player has ceased a debate between former Indian player Ambati Rayudu and former Indian batting coach Sanjay Bangar. Rohit Sharma has been struggling with form since the start of the IPL, where he is been struggling with scores of 0,8,13 and 17in his first four matches of the season. 

It was the match number 20 which was played between Mumbai Indians (MI) vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the Wankhede Stadium. Where Hardik Pandya won the toss and elected to bowl first. Where RCB posted a total of 221 runs with the loss of 5 wickets. MI in the chase used their former captain Rohit Sharma as the impact player in the game. Sanjay Bangar said Mumbai Indians should have used their experience of Rohit Sharma. 

Read More: "Catch practice or comedy show? Irfan Pathan trolls CSK & PBKS: "Itne to legend league mein nahi chorte bhai"

Experience Impacts A Lot

Mumbai Indians at the chase were going well despite early wickets where Tilak Varma and Hardik Pandya's contributions went in vain when MI lost the match by 12 runs. It was the fourth loss of Mumbai Indians (MI). During the discussion on ESPN Cricinfo, the former batting coach expressed his views that MI should have gone with the experience of Rohit Sharma who would have helped Hardik Pandya a lot. But Ambati Rayudu who was sitting beside him had a different thought. 

Sanjay says I think Rohit's absence on the field is hurting from a leadership point of view. He would give Hardik Pandya the necessary inputs on the field. Ambati Rayudu in reply said that I don't think Hardik requires any input from anyone, a captain needs to be left alone and tends to make their own decisions which may give them clear clarity. You cannot have 10 people in his ears like last year. 

Sanjay Bangar Fires Back You Never Led A Team

Sanjay Bangar said that they have lots of power hitters who can be used as impact substitute players like Tilak Varma, and Naman Dhir, who aren't required to bowl too. But in reply, Rayudu said that it's his team and the decisions should be taken by Hardik Pandya only. Soon the banter turned into a heated argument. 

Soon the anchor tried to change the topic but the debate continued. Sanjay stated that Rayudu knows the MI setup. Rayudu said Kohli didn't require Dhoni's help he did his work on his own, Dhoni was not at his ears all the time. Same for Rohit. Then why should Hardik have 10 people at his ears?  Mumbai Indians need a definite comeback back as they have lost 4 matches and won only one.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has introduced us to a host of world-class batters who have taken Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to the cleaners. Year after year, a few players have made a habit of scoring big against RCB, making them a formidable challenge for the franchise. Take a detailed look at the top five batters with the most runs against RCB in IPL history.

1. MS Dhoni 

That’s because the legendary MS Dhoni has been an absolute monstrosity of a nightmare for RCB bowlers, amassing 864 runs in just 36 matches. With a staggering average of 39.27 and a high strike rate of 141.87, Dhoni has played plenty of game-winning finishing innings against RCB. His top score of 84* is still one of the most epic and best innings ever played against them.

Also Read: IPL 2025: KKR vs SRH - A Head to Head breakdown

2. David Warner

One of the most destructive batters in the history of IPL has been David Warner, especially against RCB. The explosive left-hander has an astounding 862 runs in just 23 innings at a strike rate of 160.52 and an average of 41.04. Against RCB, Warner has a hundred and nine fifties, with a best score of 100*.

3. Rohit Sharma 

Our very own Rohit Sharma, the former Mumbai Indians captain, has hogged the limelight during his clashes against RCB, scoring 831 runs in 33 matches. His capacity to deliver match-winning innings has previously wreaked havoc on RCB’s bowling lineup. At an average of 27.70 and with a strike rate of 136.22, he has seven fifties to his name, with a high score of 94.

Also Read: Top 5 openers in IPL according to Ishan Kishan, Virat Kohli not in the list

4. Ajinkya Rahane

Ajinkya Rahane has been one of the most reliable players against RCB, with 745 runs in 23 innings to his name. With an incredible knack for pacing innings and cranking it up when the game calls for it, he’s become one of the most challenging hitters to retire. Rahane has a hundred and four half-centuries against RCB, with his highest score being 103*.

5 . Ambati Rayudu 

Consistently a solid performer against RCB, Ambati Rayudu is truly a thorn in RCB’s side with 728 runs in just 25 innings. Averaging 31.65 with a strike rate of 123.59, Rayudu has played important innings in his teams’ successes. His best score against RCB to date is 82.

In a humoristic social media post, @rcbfans.official lightheartedly taunted old cricketer Ambati Rayudu, that one such panelist was "missing online" for a period of two hours. The post finished on a witty comment: "We hope Ambati Rayudu is doing fine."

This must have been against Rayudu's fanlike enthusiasm regarding cricket commentary, especially the IPL. The post got instant popularity from the sides of fans and set up waves of laughter all over social media.

Rayudu's Sporting Response

Instead of taking offense, Rayudu responded with humor, stating-Hahahaha nice one. @rcbfans.official. This is the way banter should be done. Your team this year is quite good and you can wish for the best

 

 

 

 

 

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ALSO SEE:CSK’s Biggest Losses at Chepauk Top 5 Times Chennai Fell at Home

His reply won over fans by showing his sense of humor to accept jokes and engage in healthy cricket banter.

The Spirit of IPL Fan Rivalry

IPL has never been just cricket—it's die-hard fans, intense rivalries, and good-natured banter. Players might fight on the field, but the fans keep things going with memes, jokes, and debates. This between Rayudu and RCB fans is the enjoyment part of cricket fandom where players and fans can engage without bitterness.With IPL 2025 going full throttle, such a moment is also a reminder that cricket is as much a game of entertainment.

Ex-Indian cricketer Ambati Rayudu recently made highlight of his retirement from ODI cricket, a subject that generated a lot of controversy in 2019-20. He retired in 2019 after being omitted from India's World Cup team twice.

He was initially not added to the 15-man roster for the World Cup in 2019. Subsequently, when Shikhar Dhawan and Vijay Shankar got injured, selectors picked Rishabh Pant and Mayank Agarwal ahead of him. Disappointed by this, Rayudu chose to retire from international cricket.

Ambati Rayudu's Cricket Journey

Rayudu came to be recognized initially as the skipper of India's Under-19 side during the 2004 World Cup. His teammates were future greats such as Shikhar Dhawan, Suresh Raina, Dinesh Karthik, and Robin Uthappa. He however waited nearly a decade to represent India.

He made his first ODI in 2013 against Zimbabwe but rose to prominence during India's tour of England in 2014. His consistent performances earned him a spot in the team. Even though he was selected for the 2015 World Cup, he did not get to feature in any of the matches.

Though he was in and out of the Indian team he did well in domestic cricket and the IPL. He was a key player for Mumbai Indians, winning championships with them in 2013, 2015, and 2017 before shifting his base to Chennai Super Kings in 2018.

Rayudu on why he retired so early 🤣#TimeOut pic.twitter.com/rbUX92Bhba

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) March 27, 2025

ALSO SEE: IPL 2025: Updated Points Table Standings, After 7th match RR vs KKR

2019 World Cup Snub and Retirement

Rayudu was a major contributor to CSK's 2018 IPL title, with 602 runs in the season. He earned a place in India's Asia Cup team and the West Indies series on the basis of his performance. But he didn't perform well against Australia and lost his spot in the 2019 World Cup team and hence his international career.

He ended his ODI career with 1,694 runs in 55 matches at a stunning average of 47.06. He also had three centuries and ten fifties to his name. He, however, featured in just six T20Is, making 42 runs, and never had the opportunity to play Test cricket.

Rayudu's Funny Reply to a Fan

During ESPNCricinfo’s Time Out show, a fan from Bihar asked Rayudu why he retired early despite having good stats. The fan also said he wanted to meet him.

Rayudu humorously responded that it would take an entire week to tell the entire story, leaving everyone in splits. He has, over time, suggested that Virat Kohli, Ravi Shastri, and MSK Prasad were involved in his not being picked for the 2019 World Cup team.

IPL tournament is just 4 days away and experts panel and team analysts have made their team strides their Swot analysis etc. Same as expert Ambati Rayudu was asked about his combined playing xi of Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings. Ambati Rayudu who played for both the franchise has a better vision of those two camps. Rayudu who is known for aggressive batting started his career from Mi. 

Ambati Rayudu started his cricket career from Andra club and he started his domestic at the the age of 16, his attacking nature of batting was a great impulse and continually played Ranji for the team and bring laurels to the team for which he was highly recogonised by many, Rayudu had to struggle a bit to get a mere platform to above the place where he wanted to reach. 

Read More; IPL Captains Meet To Be Held On 20th March At BCCI Headquarters

IPL To The Growth Of Marking

Ambati Rayudu's talent was soon recognised by the MI scouting team and in 2010 he was bought by MI for his base price he had a stellar season in 2011 for Mi where he was placed as middle order batsman and his strike rate was quite impressive for 2 years he played as middle order batsman and then in 2013 Rohit Sharma was made captain of Mumbai Indians he changed the order of Ambati Rayudu to number 3 from there it was no stopping for him. With Mumbai Indians, Rayudu has played some unbelievable innings and gave significant contributions to title gain in 2013,2015 and 2017.

During the mega auction for 2018 teams were restricted to retain only some of the players and release the others same, as Rayudu was released from MI camp and he was taken by Csk for 2018 edition it was quite a lucky take for Csk as Ambti Rayudu solved the number 4 position for them and he was go through man for the team and in that same year he won the title with Csk too and he was with them for few season and he left the field silently. 

Read More: Ashwin States Ms Dhoni Gave A Larger Gift Than He Expected

Ambiti Rayudu Combined Playing 11

Rayudu international career was not perfect as IPL though he gave some significant contributions in Asia cups and in some international matches he, was unlucky for 2times where he was not picked in world Cup team in 2015 and in 2019 which was really a heart break moment for him even 2019 was such an horror even the Bcci board has to face heavy backlash for it. 

Rayudu has been very fond of both the team's MI and Csk so the expert panel of star sports gave him the task to make a combined playing 11 of both the teams. His reply was as quick as he said in my playing 11

Sachin Tendulkar

Rohit Sharma

Suresh Raina

Surya Kumar Yadav

Pollard

Dhoni

Jadeja 

Bravo

Malinga

Bumrah

Harbajhan

Impact Ambati Rayudu