(Cricket News) Ambati Rayudu, the former cricket player for India, caused a stir on social media when he abruptly left the ruling Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) in Andhra Pradesh on January 6, just days after he had joined in the presence of party chief Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy.
Rayudu had previously stated that he intended to take a break from politics, but he has now clarified his decision by stating that he will be playing for the MI Emirates team in the upcoming second season of the UAE’s ILT20 cricket tournament.
Rayudu posted that the reason for his sudden departure from the YSRCP was that the league’s rules prohibit active politicians from participating as players. After playing for the MI for eight seasons, starting in 2010, and winning three titles with the team, Rayudu has now returned to the MI colors for the first time since he last played for the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
After being acquired by the Chennai Super Kings, Rayudu was an integral part of the Chennai Super Kings team until his retirement from the IPL in 2023.
Along with Rajampeta Lok Sabha member P Mithun Reddy and Deputy Chief Minister K Narayana Swamy, Rayudu joined the YSRCP on December 28, 2023. The former right-arm batter has also represented India on 61 occasions (55 ODIs and 5 T20Is).
His defiant response to the snub in the 2019 ODI World Cup caused a stir in the Indian cricket fraternity and ultimately cost him a spot in the Indian squad. Rayudu won three IPL titles with the Super Kings (in 2018, 2021, and 2023).
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