‘Always Thala’s fan’ - Ambati Rayudu sets the record straight on social media and hits out at trolls

Former India cricketer Ambati Rayudu has been attracting a lot of criticism for commentary in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 campaign. Many fans have called out Rayudu for his high-spirited commentary for former India and Chennai Super Kings skipper MS Dhoni.

Taking to his social media handle on X (formerly Twitter), Rayudu wrote, “I was a Thala’s fan, I am a Thala’s fan, I will always be a Thala’s fan. No matter what anyone thinks or does. It will not make a one percent difference. So please stop spending money on paid PR and donate that to charity. Lot of underprivileged people can benefit.”

Read the tweet here: 

I was a Thala’s fan
I am a Thala’s fan
I will always be a Thala’s fan.

No matter what anyone thinks or does. It will not make a one percent difference.

So please stop spending money on paid pr and donate that to charity. Lot of underprivileged people can benefit.

— ATR (@RayuduAmbati) April 10, 2025

In the game between Punjab Kings and Chennai Super Kings, former Indian cricketer Navjot Singh was seen arguing with Rayudu on air. Sidhu had said, “What you are saying is completely wrong. Girgit agar kisi kaa aaradhyadev hain, toh woh tumhara hain.” Rayudu played six seasons for CSK and won three titles under MS Dhoni’s captaincy. 

Robin Uthappa wants MS Dhoni to move higher in batting order 

Former India batter Robin Uthappa has urged MS Dhoni to bat higher in the batting order. The 43-year-old scored 12 balls and 27 in the game against PBKS in what was an eventual 18-run loss. There has been a lot of discussion surrounding Dhoni’s batting position for CSK. 

During his chat with JioHotstar, Uthappa was heard saying, “I don't think there was ever a lack of intent from MS Dhoni. Even outside the IPL, I believe he has passed on responsibility to others and given them a clear understanding of what to expect in the coming years as CSK rebuilds into a championship-contending side. That transition is happening, and while we would love to see MS bat the way he is right now, perhaps a little higher up the order, I don't think the problem lies at the end.”

The 39-year-old also said, “They started well, scoring almost 9.8 or 9.9 runs per over, which is as good as you can expect with the kind of openers they have. But you can't let the game slip in the middle overs, especially when chasing a big total. The approach in the overs from 7 to 12 was very quiet.”