Former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batter Ambati Rayudu has broken his silence after facing a barrage of hate messages on social media. The ex-India cricketer, who is now a commentator in the ongoing IPL 2025 season, came up with a strong response aimed at trolls who targeted him for showing continued support for MS Dhoni.
Despite CSK’s dismal start to the season — with just one win in five matches and currently sitting ninth on the points table — Rayudu has remained firm in backing Dhoni. That support, however, has not gone down well with a section of fans who have criticised Rayudu’s comments online.
What were the comments made by Rayudu over MS Dhoni?
During CSK’s recent clash against Punjab Kings (PBKS), Dhoni walked in to bat during the later stages of the innings. Rayudu, who was on commentary at the time, gave a passionate take, saying, “MS Dhoni is coming out with a sword, not the bat. The sword will be wielded tonight, and Dhoni’s sword will be wielded.”
He followed it up with more insight, noting Dhoni’s body language: “You can look at his walk. In the last game, he entered calmly, but tonight, even in the warm-up, he removed the black thing he usually tied on his knee. Tonight, we will see a fearless Dhoni.”
Even his fellow commentator, former India cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu, took a sarcastic dig at Rayudu — both on air and by sharing the moment online.
Here is the shared tweet:
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.
— ATR (@RayuduAmbati) April 10, 2025
In response, Rayudu took to X (formerly Twitter) and posted a firm and heartfelt message:
“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.”
Rayudu played for Mumbai Indians (MI) for eight seasons but he played six seasons for CSK. He was a vital part of CSK’s 2023 title-winning team and has never shied away from expressing his admiration for MS Dhoni.
For the Latest Sports News: Follow RevSportz