IPL 2023: Chennai Super Kings star batter Ambati Rayudu retires from all forms of Indian Cricket

The former India cricketer from Hyderabad played a very important cameo of 19 off 8 balls in the run chase against Gujarat Titans in a rain-hit IPL Final at Narendra Modi Stadium. It was Rayudu’s 6,4,6 off three consecutive deliveries against Mohit Sharma – which changed the complexion of the game for CSK.

The 37-year-old right-handed batter’s explosive knock took the momentum away from GT in the 18th over and brought CSK tantalisingly closer to the win. Having played a part in his team’s fifth IPL triumph Rayudu – who joined the CSK in 2018 and became an integral part of the team and won three trophies – reminisced the emotional evening which culminated in a special IPL win.

In an official release, Rayudu said, “It has been an emotional night that culminated in a special IPL win. On that high note, I would like to announce my retirement from all forms of Indian cricket.

“When I took up the cricket bat as a kid playing with the tennis ball at home, I didn’t imagine the wonderful journey that would follow for more than two decades. I consider it my greatest honour to have represented my country from the Under-19 to the highest level.”

Rayudu went on to thank the various boards he was associated with throughout his career for showing faith in his ability and talent.

“I still remember the day I received my India cap for the first time in 2013 – it is a memory I will cherish forever. I would like to thank the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the Andhra Cricket Association (ACA), The Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA), Vidarbha Cricket Association (VCA) and the Baroda Cricket Association (BCA) for showing faith in my ability and providing me with the opportunity to express myself on the field.”

Rayudu – who has played 202 IPL matches and amassed 4329 runs at a strike rate of 127.3. He has also slammed a ton and 22 half-centuries in the global T20 tournament while playing for Mumbai Indians (2008-2017) and CSK (2018-2023).

“I would also like to thank both the IPL teams that I played for – Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings. 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,” he added further.

Thanking his former India teammate and CSK skipper MS Dhoni – with whom he’s played a lot of cricket from the junior level – Rayudu said, “It has also been a great privilege to play with captain MS Dhoni both with CSK and Team India. We have had some great memories over the last two decades both on and off the field, which I will
always cherish.”

The domestic circuit stalwart further went on to thank his family for the contributions it made. “None of this would have been possible without the support of my dear family, especially my father Sambasiva Rao.

“Thanks to all my teammates, support staff, fans and all the coaches from my early days – this memorable journey of mine would not have been fulfilling without all of you. Thank you for being by my side through the ups and downs. Your encouragement meant a lot to me. See you on the other side!”

After guiding CSK to a famous win in yet another IPL Final, Rayudu said, “It’s a fairytale finish. I couldn’t have asked for more. I’m fortunate to have played in really great sides.”