Former India batter and Chennai Super Kings mainstay Ambati Rayudu stated on Sunday that the Indian Premier League final against Gujarat Titans here will be his last game in the tournament.
He has amassed 4,329 runs at a strike rate of 127 with 22 half-centuries and a century in the 203 matches he has played. Rayudu, who retired from international cricket after being snubbed for the 2019 World Cup in England, announced his retirement from domestic cricket a few years ago, only to withdraw his decision later.
However, in the tweet announcing his retirement, the 38-year-old stated that there will be no U-turn this time around, after scoring 139 runs in 15 games this season. He wrote: “2 great teams mi nd(sic) 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.”
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 has been a key member of the CSK squad since 2018, having previously played for the Mumbai Indians from 2010 to 2017. Rayudu will leave the IPL as the second-most successful player, having won five titles with the Mumbai Indians and CSK.
Batting and fielding stats for Rayudu
| YEAR | MAT | NO | RUNS | HS | AVG | BF | SR | 100 | 50 | 4S | 6S | CT | ST |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career | 203 | 33 | 4329 | 100* | 28.29 | 3401 | 127.29 | 1 | 22 | 358 | 171 | 64 | 2 |
| 2023 | 15 | 2 | 139 | 27* | 15.44 | 105 | 132.38 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 7 | 2 | 0 |
| 2022 | 13 | 0 | 274 | 78 | 24.91 | 224 | 122.32 | 0 | 1 | 25 | 15 | 4 | 0 |
| 2021 | 16 | 4 | 257 | 72* | 28.55 | 170 | 151.17 | 0 | 2 | 16 | 17 | 2 | 0 |
| 2020 | 12 | 2 | 359 | 71 | 39.88 | 282 | 127.30 | 0 | 1 | 30 | 12 | 3 | 0 |
| 2019 | 17 | 5 | 282 | 57 | 23.50 | 303 | 93.06 | 0 | 1 | 20 | 7 | 6 | 0 |
| 2018 | 16 | 2 | 602 | 100* | 43.00 | 402 | 149.75 | 1 | 3 | 53 | 34 | 2 | 0 |
| 2017 | 5 | 0 | 91 | 63 | 18.20 | 78 | 116.66 | 0 | 1 | 7 | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| 2016 | 13 | 1 | 334 | 65 | 30.36 | 278 | 120.14 | 0 | 2 | 28 | 12 | 4 | 0 |
| 2015 | 15 | 5 | 281 | 53* | 31.22 | 193 | 145.59 | 0 | 1 | 18 | 16 | 9 | 0 |
| 2014 | 15 | 0 | 361 | 68 | 25.78 | 287 | 125.78 | 0 | 2 | 31 | 8 | 6 | 0 |
| 2013 | 19 | 3 | 265 | 37 | 18.92 | 231 | 114.71 | 0 | 0 | 22 | 4 | 8 | 0 |
| 2012 | 17 | 6 | 333 | 81* | 37.00 | 252 | 132.14 | 0 | 2 | 21 | 14 | 2 | 0 |
| 2011 | 16 | 2 | 395 | 63* | 28.21 | 350 | 112.85 | 0 | 4 | 44 | 9 | 7 | 1 |
| 2010 | 14 | 1 | 356 | 55* | 27.38 | 246 | 144.71 | 0 | 2 | 34 | 13 | 6 | 1 |
Here’s a look at the reactions to his retirement:
ATR’s journey in Yellove narrated by the man himself 📹#WhistlePodu #Yellove 🦁💛 @RayuduAmbati pic.twitter.com/lASH0uWXW1
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) May 29, 2023
My brother,you deserve every accolade that comes your way!! I’ve admired you since we were 10 and have always been a huge fan of your batting and attitude. I wish only the best that life can offer you my brother! We gotta celebrate you with some Biryani&drinks! @RayuduAmbati 🤗♥️
— Robin Aiyuda Uthappa (@robbieuthappa) May 28, 2023
Happy Retirement brotherman @RayuduAmbati. It has been an honor to share the field with you & get to know you both on and off-field. Your immense contributions to the sport have left an indelible mark that will never be forgotten. Wishing you the best always ❤️ pic.twitter.com/jtCXYzlz8D
— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) May 28, 2023
Straight to our feels! 🥹✨
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) May 28, 2023
The mid order booster! 🔥#WhistlePodu #Yellove 🦁💛 @RayuduAmbati pic.twitter.com/biwwF1y4XH
Ambati Rayudu in IPL:
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) May 29, 2023
For Mumbai Indians - 2416 runs at an average of 27.15 & Strike Rate of 126.16
For Chennai Super Kings - 1913 runs at an average of 29.89 & strike rate of 128.73
A legend of CSK & MI - his impact is beyond stats & numbers. pic.twitter.com/1pU69xISDe
So Ambati Rayudu will play his last game in #IPLFinal. His time with Mumbai Indians was tops after being labelled as a rebel during the ICL. Even his stint with CSK has been good.
— Subhayan Chakraborty (@CricSubhayan) May 28, 2023
Proper batter. Top player. Happy retirement @RayuduAmbati
Ambati Rayudu to retire after tonight's final. So one more slot opens up in the middle for CSK to fill at the auction.
— Venkata Krishna B (@venkatatweets) May 28, 2023