Ambati Rayudu abandons CSK loyalty, attacks MS Dhoni-starrer team after loss to RR

Former CSK batter Ambati Rayudu is highly disappointed with his former team's performance against Rajasthan Royals. Rayudu noticed CSK's silly mistakes in the field and called it the difference between the two sides.

Chennai Super Kings didn't have a great day in the field as they made plenty of errors. Usually an admirer of CSK, Ambati Rayudu was quick to admit that the team were poor in the outfield as compared to Rajasthan Royals, who were spot on.

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Ambati Rayudu speaks on CSK's poor fielding

While speaking on JioStar after the match, Ambati Rayudu expressed his disappointment over CSK's errors in the field and lashed out at them for dropping easy chances. He labeled those instances as "painful to watch" for a CSK supporter.

“Chennai Super Kings have never been known for their fielding — maybe in their earlier years — but what they’ve done in their first two matches this season has been quite poor. Dropping easy chances and struggling in the outfield — these are areas they need to address quickly. Some of CSK’s mistakes were quite painful to watch,” said Rayudu.

CSK's Jamie Overton dropped an easy catch at mid-on to give a new life to Shimron Hetmyer when he was on 3. Hetmyer went on to score 19 a quickfire 19 which proved to be crucial in the end.

"These one-percenters really matter" - Ambati Rayudu

While speaking further in the panel, Ambati Rayudu spoke about the importance of these moments in winning a game. He recalled the catching and fielding brilliance of Rajasthan Royals in the field and then compared it to CSK's performance.

“When you’re playing a close game, these one-percenters really matter. We saw quite a few incredible catches in this match—it’s rare to see that!" Rayudu mentioned.

"On the other hand, Chennai Super Kings didn’t field well at all, except for maybe one or two stops in the infield. Rajasthan Royals were really up for it, and this shows that fielding is not just about having a young side—it’s about anticipation and awareness. Riyan Parag’s catch, when Shivam Dube was going strong, was a real game-changer,” he noted.

Riyan Parag took a superb diving catch at covers for the big wicket of Shivam Dube. The RR captain flew to his right and just got his right hand under the ball for a stunning catch. It was a turning point in the game as Dube was looking extremely good at the crease.

RR beat CSK in a thriller

After winning their opening match of the season, CSK have lost two games in a row. They have plenty of problems to address ahead of the upcoming matches. The batting hasn't been in great form and their lower order has been unable to carry them past the finish line.

The Super Kings lost a close game to Rajasthan Royals at Guwahati on Sunday. Royals scored 182-9 while batting first on the back of a brilliant knock from Nitish Rana, who top-scored with 81 off 36 balls. Skipper Riyan Parag also chipped in with 37 off 28 balls.

In reply, CSK had plenty of partnerships with the skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad leading the charge with a fine 63 off 44 balls. Allrounder Ravindra Jadeja scored an unbeaten 32 off 22 balls but failed to take his team past the finish line.