“Dhoni called me & Jadeja before the ceremony..”: Ambati Rayudu recalls the heartwarming gesture by MS Dhoni

Devon Conway (47) built the groundwork for CSK’s victory at the outset, and Ambati Rayudu added to it by making a memorable cameo in his final IPL innings. The game was cut short to 15 overs due to rain, but Rayudu only stayed at the crease for 8 deliveries while scoring a crucial 19 runs for the team. Before leaving the pitch two overs later, Rayudu hit a four and two sixes throughout his knock.

After the victory, CSK captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni made a touching gesture for Ravindra Jadeja and Rayudu by asking both players to join him in accepting the IPL trophy at the post-game presentation ceremony. Finally, Rayudu has explained the motivation behind Dhoni’s action.

Rayudu talks about the heartwarming incident

Rayudu said, “Dhoni called me & Jadeja before the ceremony saying he wants us to join him in lifting the Trophy, he thinks it was the right moment to do it with both of us, it was really special from him, I don’t think it has happened, that is the person he is, the person world knows”. [NDTV]

Following the game, CSK’s head coach Stephen Fleming emphasized the value of Rayudu’s performance and noted that the team will miss the seasoned Indian batter.

“Ambati Rayudu has been an absolute legend. I rate him so highly as a batter and those three balls against Mohit Sharma today proved against one of the most in-form bowlers… to hit him for 6, 4 and 6 was sheer class.

“Rayudu will leave a hole, there is no doubt about it, but the game keeps moving. Doesn’t it? We expected that for him to go out like that was pretty emotional within the group and for him as well,” Fleming had said.

Rayudu has now won 6 IPL titles in his illustrious career. He has won 3 trophies for Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings each. 

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