Watch: Ambati Rayudu breaks down in tears on air after Chennai Super Kings get eliminated from IPL 2024

Former Indian cricketer Ambati Rayudu was left heartbroken after the Chennai Super Kings lost to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. Ambati Rayudu couldn't control his emotions as the Super Kings were eliminated from the playoff race in the ongoing season.

The Super Kings failed to grab the final playoff berth as they suffered a 27-run loss in Bengaluru on Saturday, May 18. They finished in fifth place in the table with 14 points in 14 matches. The defending champions have a slightly lower net run rate (NRR) than RCB, despite having the same points.

The RCB team posted a formidable total of 218/5 in their allotted 20 overs. Faf du Plessis (54) and Virat Kohli (47) built a solid 78-run opening partnership in 9.4 overs. Middle-order batters Rajat Patidar (41) and Cameron Green (38) played quickfire knocks to boost the team's score in the final overs.

CSK required 200 runs to surpass RCB's run rate and secure a playoff spot. The visiting team lost six wickets for 129 runs before MS Dhoni joined Ravindra Jadeja at the crease. Jadeja (42 off 22) and Dhoni (25 off 13) added a 61-run partnership in 26 balls to guide CSK close to the 200-run target.

Faf du Plessis handed the ball to Yash Dayal when CSK needed 17 runs off the last over. MS Dhoni smacked a massive six off the first ball of the left-arm pacer. However, Dayal dismissed Dhoni on the following delivery. CSK fell short of the required runs, with just one run scored off the last four balls.

Ambati Rayudu Breaks Down On Air

Reaction of Ambati Rayudu after CSK were knocked out. pic.twitter.com/QUczM0uqQg

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) May 19, 2024

Ambati Rayudu, who was commentating during the match, was unable to contain his emotions when Ravindra Jadeja missed his shot attempt with CSK needing 10 runs from 2 balls.

Ambati Rayudu joined the Chennai Super Kings in 2018. Rayudu enjoyed a successful stint with the team, securing three IPL titles under MS Dhoni's captaincy in 2018, 2021, and 2023. He retired from professional cricket following CSK's victory in the final against the Gujarat Titans (GT) last year.

I'm So Happy For Virat Kohli - Ambati Rayudu

Ambati Rayudu expressed his support for RCB to win the IPL 2024. The former Indian cricketer stated that Virat Kohli deserves to win the trophy.

"It's Virat's energy, his intent, his hunger to win and to be successful. Today we have seen him actively talking to everybody, even before the game, even in between, even in the timeouts. And we saw it even when there was a delay because of the rain. We could see him talk and we could see him being involved. It's just emotional, and I'm so happy for Virat," Ambati Rayudu said while speaking on Star Sports Cricket Live.

"I'm very, very happy with how RCB have played this season. And I truly hope that they'll go on to win this IPL as he deserves it. For someone who has played well for RCB over the years, who has always come out and done well, won the Orange Cap, the whole team rode on his shoulders for quite some time this season, especially in the initial part of the tournament," Rayudu added.

Also read: RP Singh confirms MS Dhoni's retirement after meeting him post RCB vs CSK clash