
The 2023 Indian Premier League (IPL) saw the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) emerging victorious in a rain-curtailed final against the Gujarat Titans (GT). As CSK celebrated their triumph, skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni couldn’t resist taking a light-hearted dig at Ambati Rayudu, one of the team’s key batters. Dhoni praised Rayudu for his wholehearted efforts on the field and humorously remarked that having Rayudu in the team would prevent him from winning the Fairplay Award. Rayudu’s crucial innings in the final played a significant role in CSK’s successful campaign.
In the IPL 2023 final held at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, CSK secured a thrilling victory against GT by five wickets. Ambati Rayudu proved to be instrumental in the summit clash, playing a crucial innings of 19 runs off eight balls, including a boundary and two maximums. Dhoni appreciated Rayudu’s commitment and dedication to the team while on the field. However, he couldn’t help but make a humorous remark, stating that with Rayudu in the team, winning the Fairplay Award would be an impossible feat for him.
Rayudu’s quick-fire innings against GT played a vital role in turning the tide in CSK’s favor when the required run rate was beginning to slip away. Dhoni also paid tribute to Rayudu, acknowledging his skill and versatility as a cricketer. According to the CSK skipper, Rayudu possesses the rare ability to play both pace and spin equally well. This exceptional talent makes him an unsung hero in Indian cricket, capable of contributing in various match situations.