Veteran India batter Ambati Rayudu was visibly devastated after his former team Chennai Super Kings (CSK) crashed out of the IPL 2024 playoffs following a loss to Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). The defeat on May 18 at Chinnaswamy stadium, ended CSK's title defense dreams for the season. Despite needing a win to qualify, CSK fell short by 27 runs. The team finished the season in fifth place with 14 points from their 14 matches. While CSK had the same number of points as RCB, their slightly lower net run rate (NRR) proved to be the deciding factor.
Earlier in the match, RCB had set a daunting target of 218 runs. Openers Faf du Plessis (54) and Virat Kohli (47) provided a strong foundation with a 78-run partnership. Later, middle-order batsmen Rajat Patidar (41) and Cameron Green (38) added quickfire cameos to propel RCB to a commanding total.
CSK's chase for a playoff spot got off to a shaky start. They needed 200 runs to overcome RCB's impressive total but lost wickets steadily. The score reached a precarious 129 for 6 when the experienced duo of MS Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja came together. Jadeja (42 runs off 22 balls) and Dhoni (25 runs off 13 balls) played a crucial knock, stitching together a quickfire 61-run partnership in just 26 balls. This partnership brought CSK back into the game and gave them a fighting chance to chase down the target. However, the pressure mounted as CSK needed 17 runs off the final over. Dhoni, known for his finishing prowess, smashed a six off the first ball bowled by left-arm pacer Yash Dayal. Unfortunately, Dayal turned the tide by dismissing Dhoni on the very next delivery. CSK could only manage one more run in the remaining four balls, falling short of the target by a narrow margin.
The heartbreak was evident even in the commentary box. Former CSK player Ambati Rayudu, commentating on the match, couldn't hold back his emotions when Ravindra Jadeja got out with CSK needing just 10 runs from the last 2 balls.
Watch how Ambati Rayudu reacted after CSK's defeat vs RCB
Rayudu backs RCB despite CSK loyalty
Ambati Rayudu, who had a highly successful stint with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), surprisingly switched loyalties for the IPL 2024. Having won three IPL titles with CSK under MS Dhoni's leadership (2018, 2021, 2023), Rayudu even retired from cricket after their last victory. However, his recent comments show support for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and their captain Virat Kohli in their quest for the IPL 2024 trophy.
"It's Virat's energy, his intent, his hunger to win and to be successful. Today we have seen him actively talking to everybody, even before the game, even in between, even in the timeouts. And we saw it even when there was a delay because of the rain. We could see him talk and we could see him being involved. It's just emotional, and I'm so happy for Virat," Ambati Rayudu said while speaking on Star Sports Cricket Live.
"I'm very, very happy with how RCB have played this season. And I truly hope that they'll go on to win this IPL as he deserves it. For someone who has played well for RCB over the years, who has always come out and done well, won the Orange Cap, the whole team rode on his shoulders for quite some time this season, especially in the initial part of the tournament," he concluded.
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