Former Indian cricketer Ambati Rayudu has recently left the Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) in Andhra Pradesh, just days after joining in the presence of party chief Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy. Rayudu’s sudden decision to step away from politics has raised questions, but he has clarified that it is due to his commitment to playing for the Mumbai Indians in the upcoming second season of the UAE’s ILT20 cricket tournament.
Rayudu shared on his official profile that the playing conditions of the league don’t allow active politicians to participate as players. This condition led to his swift exit from the YSRCP. He expressed his intention to take a break from politics and stated, “I, Ambati Rayudu, will be representing the Mumbai Indians in the upcoming ILt20 from January 20 in Dubai. Which requires me to be politically non-affiliated whilst playing professional sports.”
This marks Rayudu’s return to the Mumbai Indians after his last appearance in 2017 in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He played for the Mumbai Indians for eight seasons, winning three titles with the franchise. Subsequently, he joined the Chennai Super Kings, where he played a crucial role until his retirement from the IPL in 2023.
Rayudu joined YSRCP on 28th December 2023
Rayudu’s political stint began when he joined the YSRCP on December 28, 2023, in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister K Narayana Swamy and Rajampeta Lok Sabha member P Mithun Reddy.
A seasoned right-arm batter, Rayudu has represented India in 61 international matches, including 55 ODIs and 5 T20Is. His exclusion from the 2019 ODI World Cup led to controversy, and his defiant reaction cost him a place in the Indian squad. During his time with the Chennai Super Kings, Rayudu secured three IPL titles in 2018, 2021, and 2023.
As he gears up to play for the MI Emirates in the ILT20, Rayudu’s decision to prioritize professional sports over politics has added an interesting chapter to his versatile career.
