Ambati Rayudu opens about his IPL journey with MI and CSK

Ambati Rayudu is one of the fewest players to have played for both MI and CSK in the IPL. The former Indian cricketer succeeded for both Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings in the IPL. Rayudu played a lot for both the franchises, before announcing his retirement from the league towards the end of the IPL 2023. Even in his last match, Rayudu played a key role in his team's win with a fine cameo. 

From 2009 to 2017, Ambati represented Mumbai Indians in 9 seasons, which is a huge period spent with a single franchise. Rayudu saw the difficult phase of MI as a franchise and then the successful side of the franchise in two parts of his career. From 2009 to 2012, MI did not have that good a time in the IPL. But from 2013 to 2017, MI won three titles. 

Rayudu was a part of the contrasting journeys MI had in the league. From 2018 to 2023, Rayudu was a part of the CSK team for six seasons. At the start of his new stint in 2018, Rayudu was in his absolute best form. In the season, Rayudu played various roles and helped CSK to win the title. In 2021 and 2023, CSK again won the Trophy.

'I had a great journey with Mumbai Indians, but going to CSK was even more special' - Ambati Rayudu

But Rayudu was also a part of the CSK team that performed badly in 2020 and 2022. The career of Rayudu was contrasting without a doubt. In an interview, Rayudu spoke about his journey in the IPL. The former Indian player said that he enjoyed playing for both franchises. But Rayudu added that he loved playing for CSK a bit more. 

"I had a great journey with Mumbai Indians, but going to CSK was even more special. It was like a whole flashback going on in my head, recalling what we used to do every day. From then on, I got used to being in CSK," said Rayudu. The versatile player has six titles to his name in the IPL, which is one of the most for a player.