RCB vs CSK: "MS Dhoni has not been fit for the past 3-4 years.."- Ambati Rayudu's shocking revelation
Published - 14 May 2024, 11:43 AM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 01:11 AM
Former CSK player Ambati Rayudu has revealed that most CSK players were carrying niggles in the IPL 2018 season when they won the title. He also revealed that MS Dhoni has not been fully fit for the last 3-4 years.
Ambati Rayudu joined Chennai Super Kings in the 2018 season to win his first IPL title with the franchise. Chennai Super Kings made a comeback in IPL 2018 after missing the season for two years due to a ban.
Under MS Dhoni, the men-in-yellow bounced back with a spectacular show, winning the trophy by defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad in the final. CSK had a lot of veteran players in their squad with the likes of Dwayne Bravo, Harbhajan Singh, Imran Tahir, Shane Watson, and MS Dhoni.
Also Read: Matheesha Pathirana ditches MS Dhoni & CSK; not to return for IPL 2024 despite being fully fit
MS Dhoni has been not fully fit for the past 3-4 years- Ambati Rayudu
While speaking on Star Sports, former CSK member Ambati Rayudu said that many CSK players were carrying niggles in the 2018 season when he joined the team. He also revealed MS Dhoni has faced fitness issues for the last 3-4 years.
"I think with CSK, since the time I joined in 2018, I don't think half the team was fit. Most of us were carrying niggles. With Mahi Bhai, I don't think he has been fully fit for the past 3-4 years. But whenever the time has come, the crucial matches come, he has always stood up", the right-handed batsman said.
"Every game we used to think that if the par score was 180, we would give 200 because of our fielding. Mahi bhai always used to tell Shane Watson, 'You're not moving. If the ball comes straight to you, you catch it. You don't dive", Ruyudu revealed.
Notably, Ambati Rayudu played a big role in leading CSK to the title in IPL 2018. He mustered more than 600 runs in the season. Later, he also got opportunities in the Indian team. Rayudu also won the IPL titles with CSK in 2021 and 2023.
Ruturaj Gaikwad good prospect for the future captain- Rayudu
Recently, Ambati Rayudu hailed CSK skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad for his captainship. He also feels that he might lead the Indian team in the future.
“He's even won the Asian Games gold leading as the captain. He has a long way to go and I'm sure there will be a day when we will all be talking about him leading India,” he further said.
Ruturaj Gaikwad was handed over the CSK captaincy by MS Dhoni ahead of IPL 2024. CSK is trying their best to reach the playoffs, however, the tournament observes a close competition for the playoffs. CSK will play their last match of the tournament against Royal Challengers Bangalore.
