Ambati Rayudu finally comments on criticism over his unconditional support for MS Dhoni: “I will always be a Thala fan”

Facing bias accusations, former CSK batter-turned commentator Ambati Rayudu declared that he would always remain a fan of MS Dhoni.

Ambati Rayudu finally comments on criticism over his unconditional support for MS Dhoni: “I will always be a Thala fan”

Ambati Rayudu clearly stated that he would remain an MS Dhoni fan, despite criticism over his biased attitude while commentating. (via X)

Former Indian cricketer-turned IPL commentator Ambati Rayudu issued a strong response to fans and critics, who took notice of his bias towards MS Dhoni and Chennai Super Kings, while commentating. Rayudu took to social media to confidently assert that he would remain a Dhoni fan. 

Ambati Rayudu remains one of the most successful players to have played in the IPL. A prolific middle-order batsman, Rayudu is also the only other player, apart from Rohit Sharma, to have won six IPL trophies, three with Mumbai Indians and three with Chennai Super Kings. In 203 IPL matches across 14 seasons, he scored 4348 runs at an average of 28.05, putting him 15th on the list of all-time run getters in the competition. 

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The former Indian batter played under MS Dhoni at Chennai Super Kings, between 2018 and 2023. He was a crucial part of the team’s three IPL title wins, in 2018, 2021, and most recently, in 2023. Ambati Rayudu retired in 2023, at the end of CSK’s final win over Gujarat Titans. The 39-year-old has since then taken up a new role as a commentator, for the last two seasons.

However, his role has garnered a lot of unwanted media attention, with many accusing the former cricketer of siding with CSK and MS Dhoni, despite being in a role that requires one to be unbiased. Since the 2024 IPL season, Ambati Rayudu has also engaged in a heated social media banter with Royal Challengers Bengaluru fans, which has caught the eyes of cricket lovers.

Amid CSK’s poor start to the 2025 IPL season, Ambati Rayudu has been specifically getting a lot of negative backlash on social media, with many questioning the former cricketer’s unwavering support for the franchise and MS Dhoni. Rayudu even indulged in a verbal altercation over Dhoni’s hitting prowess, with ex-India opener Virender Sehwag recently, while commentating.

Responding to the criticism, Ambati Rayudu took to social media unapologetically declared himself as a fan of MS Dhoni. He even stated that the hate messages from rival fans would not be able to change his opinion regarding his favorite team. Moreover, Rayudu went on to allege that there is a paid ‘PR’ campaign actively working to malign his image, and instead suggested that the funds be directed towards charity. 

Nonetheless, keeping the banter aside, CSK will be hoping to bounce back when they next face Kolkata Knight Riders, at Chepauk. The Men in Yellow will be looking to end their four-match win-less run in the IPL, as they fear dropping out of the competition in the group stages itself.

CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad ruled out of IPL 2025; MS Dhoni set to return as captain

Adding to Chennai Super Kings’ worries, captain Ruturaj Gaikwad has been ruled out for the rest of the IPL 2025 season with an elbow fracture. The 28-year-old will be replaced by veteran MS Dhoni, who returns as CSK captain for the first time since relinquishing the role in 2023.

MS Dhoni CSK captain returns
MS Dhoni is set to return as CSK captain, following Ruturaj Gaikwad’s season ending injury. (via Deccan Herald)

CSK head coach Stephan Fleming confirmed the news of Gaikwad’s unavailability. The 28-year-old, who has been struggling with the bat, sustained a blow to his elbow while facing Tushar Deshpande, in a match against RR on March 30. He featured in the next two games, against DC and PBKS. However, multiple scans have confirmed a serious fracture to his elbow, ruling him out of the competition. 

Moreover, Fleming added that ‘uncapped’ player MS Dhoni will return as the team’s captain for the remainder of the season, in the absence of their regular skipper. The 43-year-old, recognized as one of the IPL’s most successful captains, led CSK between 2008 to 2023, before stepping down.