Ambati Rayudu openly goes against MS Dhoni after strong backlash

Former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batter Ambati Rayudu made shocking allegations against legendary wicketkeeper-batter MS Dhoni's fans. Rayudu said that the overwhelming admiration Dhoni receives in the IPL, especially at Chepauk, can sometimes be unfair to his teammates and the game as well.

Dhoni remained unbeaten at the non-striker’s end when all-rounder Rachin Ravindra sealed the victory with a six over Mumbai Indians (MI) in their IPL 2025 opener. However, Ravindra faced unexpected backlash on social media. It is worth mentioning that the criticism came from CSK’s fan base.

Many supporters took to Ravindra’s social media accounts. He was abused for not allowing their beloved ‘Thala’ to finish the game in front of the electrifying crowd at the MA Chidambaram Stadium last Sunday.

Quite Daunting If You're a Newcomer - Ambati Rayudu

In a conversation with ESPNcricinfo, Ambati Rayudu shared his thoughts on the overwhelming admiration MS Dhoni receives in the IPL. Rayudu noted that the experience can be intimidating for newcomers. He stated that many fans love Dhoni over their support for the team.

"It is quite daunting if you're a newcomer. It's quite loud. The support is phenomenal. But, as you go on and play, then you realize they are MS Dhoni fans before they are CSK fans,” Ambati Rayudu told ESPNcricinfo.

"It is quite evident, and rightly so, because that's the way the team has been set up and built over the years. He's rightly named Thala [leader] and he has been calling the shots in CSK, and it's come to a stage where people are madly in awe and in love of what he's done for CSK," he added.

It's Been Happening for Quite a Few Years Now - Ambati Rayudu

The 39-year-old said that this trend has been ongoing for several years. He stated that when a batter walks out to the crease, fans in the stands sometimes openly ask them to get out. Ambati Rayudu added that such reactions from the crowd can be disheartening.

"It's been happening for quite a few years now... but sometimes when you, as an individual, are going out to bat they are shouting from the crowd to… literally asking you to get out. Or they are anticipating or expecting you to get out. So it is quite strange, and I don't think it actually serves the game well to be very honest. All the [other] players are giving their best for the team as well," Rayudu added.

MS Dhoni Playing His 18th IPL Season

MS Dhoni showcased his sharp wicketkeeping skills in the IPL 2025 opener against the Mumbai Indians. He pulled off a lightning-fast stumping to dismiss Suryakumar Yadav off Noor Ahmad. With the bat, Dhoni remained unbeaten on zero after facing two balls as CSK chased down 156 to secure a four-wicket victory.

Dhoni is sixth among the highest run-scorers in IPL history. He has scored 5,243 runs in 265 matches at an impressive average of 39.12 and a strike rate of 137.46, including 24 half-centuries, with a top score of 84*. The right-handed batter is the second-highest run-getter for the Super Kings, only behind Suresh Raina.

Also read: Yashasvi Jaiswal torn apart by IPL legend for 'irresponsible' batting vs KKR