'Arey Vijay Shankar nahi lega teri jagah, mat jaa' - Fans react to Ambati Rayudu announcing retirement from IPL

Ambati Rayudu (Source: Twitter)

Ambati Rayudu, the standout batsman for Chennai Super Kings, announced that he would retire from the Indian Premier League on Sunday, indicating that the final versus Gujarat Titans of the 2023 season will be his final game in the competition. Rayudu, a member of the CSK from 2018, won two championships with the team after starting his IPL career in 2010 with the Mumbai Indians.

Ambati Rayudu announced his retirement on Twitter before the game today.

He said, “2 great teams MI and CSK ,204 matches,14 seasons,11 playoffs,8 finals,5 trophies. hopefully 6th tonight. It’s been quite a journey.I have decided that tonight’s final is going to be my last game in the Ipl. i truly hav enjoyed playing this great tournament. Thank u all. No u turn.”

When Rayudu and the Mumbai Indians won the championship in 2013, it was the franchise's maiden title and Rayudu's first taste of victory in the competition. The batter participated in every game of the season and went on to win two additional championships in the years 2015 and 2017, eventually joining CSK the following year.

Rayudu established a name for himself as a power hitter while playing for MS Dhoni's team. He had some of his greatest IPL strike rates while wearing the yellow jersey, striking at 149.75 in the inaugural campaign with the CSK where the team won the title in 2018. Rayudu made 602 runs in 16 games for the team, making it his greatest season to date in terms of runs.

Rayudu struck at a strike rate of 151.17 within 16 games while playing for the victorious club in 2021 as well. Rayudu and CSK both had disappointing seasons in the previous year as the Chennai Super Kings came ninth in the standings, while the seasoned Indian batsman declared his retirement midway through the campaign. However, Rayudu changed his mind and kept up his support for the cause.

Fans react to Ambati Rayudu announcing retirement from IPL : -

Ambati Rayudu has announced his retirement from the IPL.

He'll retire after today's Final. pic.twitter.com/yHUh2RsJ9x

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) May 28, 2023

Dhoni should also announce same and be done ...till when will he drag the drama.

— Pooh (@ThodaYehThodaWo) May 28, 2023

Congratulations on the spectacular career in IPL and thank you for all the memories Baahubali ❤️❤️👏 pic.twitter.com/LdLBZz4xtF

— KUNAL.🇮🇳 (@ImKPL9999) May 28, 2023

💔 Gonna miss the old team😭 everyone is going one by one I know it's the reality & we all have to accept it but how ? Please now Dhoni don't do anything olz😭

— Wonder Rii🦋SidNaazSaga💫 (@SidNaazZone) May 28, 2023

Even Rayudu is getting a farewell game but not Suresh Raina 💔💔

— 🦥💉 (@dtsaae) May 28, 2023

2nd retirement for Rayudu bhai
Already eager to see him in 2025 ipl for his 3rd retirement

— rakeshreddy1421 (@b167d80fdce4496) May 28, 2023

thank you rayudu for your service ❤️

— dark fellow// n½ (@narfault) May 28, 2023

Hope he's the only guy from CSK who's retiring after the final

— K 🇮🇳 (@VK18addict_) May 28, 2023

Most underrated player ever

— Mr Unforgettable. (@raja_ji09) May 28, 2023