Former India ODI specialist and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) player, Ambati Rayudu, has announced his retirement from the cash-rich Indian Premier League (IPL) after the final match of IPL 2023 against the Gujarat Titans (GT) in Ahmedabad.
Rayudu, who had previously retired from international cricket following his exclusion from the 2019 World Cup squad, had also retired from domestic cricket a couple of years ago but later reversed his decision. However, in a recent tweet, the 38-year-old cricketer from Hyderabad confirmed that this time there would be no turning back. Rayudu, who has scored 139 runs in 15 matches this season, has chosen to bid farewell to the IPL after the final.
In his tweet, Rayudu reflected on his journey in the IPL, playing for two great teams, Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings, participating in 204 matches across 14 seasons, with 11 playoffs, 8 finals, and 5 trophies. He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to play in this remarkable tournament and thanked his fans for their support.
2 great teams mi nd csk,204 matches,14 seasons,11 playoffs,8 finals,5 trophies.hopefully 6th tonight. It’s been quite a journey.I have decided that tonight’s final is going to be my last game in the Ipl.i truly hav enjoyed playing this great tournament.Thank u all. No u turn 😂🙏
— ATR (@RayuduAmbati) May 28, 2023
Rayudu’s retirement from the IPL marks the end of his illustrious career in the league, leaving behind a commendable record and valuable contributions to his teams. He will be remembered for his noteworthy performances and his time spent representing Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings.
During his international career, Rayudu played 55 ODIs for India, accumulating 1694 runs, including three centuries and ten fifties, with an impressive batting average of over 47.
Prior to the final game, Rayudu had played in 203 IPL matches, scoring 4329 runs at a strike rate of 127. His performances included 22 half-centuries and a solitary century. Notably, his standout season was in 2018, where he amassed 602 runs for CSK.
Following his retirement from Indian domestic cricket, it is expected that Rayudu will have the opportunity to participate in various franchise leagues and veterans’ T20 tournaments, allowing him to continue showcasing his skills and experience in different cricketing platforms.
