The Ambati Rayudu moniker may not light a fire in the cricketing world the way a couple of his peers are doing, but to the discerning, the one who realizes he is the ultimate unsung hero. This career-mapped middle-order batsman has had his share of luck and misfortune, repeatedly demonstrating his capabilities to remain in the background at the big stage.
Born on September 23, 1985, in the charming town of Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, Rayudu's cricket career started at an early age. From his first stint with Hyderabad to sensational outings in the Indian Premier League (IPL), he showed natural talent for the sport. He made his debut with the Indian national team in 2013, playing an ODI against Zimbabwe, and although he experimented with T20Is and Tests, a fixed position in the side remained out of his reach.
Ambati Rayudu left a legendary mark on the IPL after debuting with the Mumbai Indians in 2010. His more than a decade-long career is characterized by dominating spells with two of the league's largest giants: the Mumbai Indians from 2010 to 2017 and the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) from 2018 to 2022, before making a comeback with the same passion in 2023.
Rayudu's career is marked by five IPL championships—three with Mumbai Indians and two with CSK—demonstrating that he can perform in winning conditions. A middle-order batsman who is renowned for his consistency, he is a multi-skilled player who can play both spin and pace, providing much-needed balance to his team's batting line-up. After the 2022 season, he featured in 188 games, made 4,190 runs, and enjoyed a strike rate of 127.26. One of his finest performances was in 2018 when he scored his solitary IPL century (100* off 62) against Sunrisers Hyderabad, demonstrating the skill to deliver at crunch time under pressure.
In a dramatic turn of events, Rayudu quit the IPL in March 2022. But with his passion for the game and devotion to CSK, he reconsidered and returned to the team for the 2023 season. The determination is testament to his love for the game and the need to keep playing for his team. Ambati Rayudu's path in the IPL is as much about love of the game as statistics; it shows a sheer love for cricket and a hard work ethic that has earned him his popularity within the league.
M.S. Dhoni and Ambati Rayudu are the closest of friends, and their friendship is exceptional as a team on the cricket field. Ever since Ambati Rayudu joined the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in 2018, he has been a highly sought-after player who has guided the team to win three championship titles.
Their enthusiasm is infectious! Dhoni playfully remarked, “With Rayudu, I’ll never win the fair play award,” capturing Rayudu’s early celebrations and eager spirit. It’s this joy and passion that not only uplifts the team but also resonates with fans.
Having been together in India A for so long, their relationship goes deep, which is why on-field coordination and understanding are even stronger. Dhoni appreciates Rayudu because he can trust him to tackle any kind of bowling, remarking that he can always bank on his colleague to come good.
Interestingly, both cricketers prefer to stay off their phones, choosing to focus on the game and the moment. As Rayudu embarks on the next chapter of his career, Dhoni’s supportive words showcase the genuine bond they share—a friendship that extends beyond cricket, reminding us of the importance of teamwork and companionship in sports.
Even as he struggled to get his rightful share of recognition, Rayudu never lost affection for cricket. Fans were left pondering over and over why the great cricketer wasn't receiving his due share of attention. Wonder took the form of a wonder in 2025 when the great player came back stunningly in the International Masters League (IML). Imagine this: a competition where masters of the sport are placed under the spotlight once more, cricket aficionados everywhere warmed up with a bout of nostalgia.
In the IML 2025, under the captaincy of the legendary Sir Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar, the India Masters team boasted a roster of cricketing legends. Rayudu took to the field with fire in his belly and was itching to demonstrate the talent that had made him one of the brightest stars of the domestic cricketing world for so long. And boy, did he ever deliver! With gritty performances and an irrepressible determination, he emerged as a key cog in taking the India Masters to triumph, claiming the title with ease.
IML is more than a tournament; it's a celebration of the glorious history of cricket and camaraderie that exists among players. As these past stars are together again, individuals are able to reminisce about the wonderful memories they created along the way during their time.
Ambati Rayudu's journey is a reminder that each player has an individual story, which lies hidden beneath the facade. His recent victory in the IML rekindles our expectation and hope for the future. We eagerly wait to witness more of his magic tricks and wizardry on the pitch. To the toasting of the game's forgotten heroes and to the acknowledgment of talent having the ability to shine unbelievably even if the limelight is not squarely focused on them.
- Tanisha Gaurav