Ambati Rayudu announces retirement from IPL; deletes tweet later

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batsman Ambati Rayudu on Saturday (May 14) announced his retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Rayudu, who is currently playing in the ongoing IPL 2022, took the decision after CSK failed to qualify for the playoffs. In July 2019, he retired from all forms of cricket following his non-selection for India’s World Cup squad. However, he returned to play Twenty20s.

The 36-year-old right-hand batsman took to his Twitter account to say that this is his last IPL. He thanked CSK and Mumbai Indians (MI).

“I am happy to announce that this will be my last ipl. I have had a wonderful time playing it and being a part of 2 great teams for 13 years. Would love to sincerely thank Mumbai Indians and Csk for the wonderful journey. (sic),” he wrote.

I am happy to announce that this will be my last ipl. I have had a wonderful time playing it and being a part of 2 great teams for 13 years. Would love to sincerely thank Mumbai Indians and Csk for the wonderful journey.

— Ambati Rayudu (@RayuduAmbati) May 14, 2022

In the IPL 2022 points table, CSK is currently placed at the ninth spot and has two more matches to play.

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan said Rayudu should be proud of his achievement. “Played cricket with you since our u-19 days. Always admire your batting and energy you give on the field. Wish you well for your journey ahead brother. You have done very well and should be proud of your achievement @RayuduAmbati (sic),” he tweeted.

Played cricket with you since our u-19 days. Always admire your batting and energy you give on the field. Wish you well for your journey ahead brother. You have done very well and should be proud of your achievement @RayuduAmbati

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) May 14, 2022

Rayudu has played 187 IPL matches scoring 4,187 runs with one hundred and 22 fifties. Before signing up for CSK, he had played for MI. As of May 13, 2022, he is the 12th highest run-getter in the history of IPL.

He made his IPL debut for MI in 2010 against Rajasthan Royals (RR). He had scored a 33-ball 55 in his first IPL game at Mumbai’s Brabourne Stadium.

After retiring, Rayudu has now deleted his tweet. Fans of the CSK batsman are confused and await his decision again.