Former Indian cricketer Ambati Rayudu continues to target Virat Kohli's Royal Challengers Bengaluru. He most likely took another shot at RCB after Kolkata Knight Riders won their third Indian Premier League title after defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad by 8 wickets in the IPL 2024 Final at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, on May 26 (Sunday).
Rayudu's jibe at Virat Kohli
Former RCB skipper Virat Kohli won the Orange Cap in IPL 2024 as he was the highest run-scorer this season with 741 runs in 15 innings. He also became the first Indian player to win the Orange Cap twice. He previously earned it in the 2016 edition where he scored 973 runs.
“Extremely honoured to receive the orange cap for this season. It was a roller-coaster of a ride, I was really pleased with the way I performed for my team throughout the season but more importantly in the latter half where we needed to win every game to qualify. Something that I hope to replicate in the 2025 season of the IPL as well. Thank you everyone for your support,” said Kohli in a recorded video as Shreyas Iyer collected the award on his behalf.
However, during the post-match presentation, Rayudu made remark that almost appeared to be a clear shot at Kohli and RCB. He said that it is not the Orange Cap that wins you the IPL, teams win the IPL with the contribution of everyone. What makes it more big is that it is not the first time that the former CSK legend has said something like this, he has been openly targeting RCB in recent times.
Rayudu's previous shots at RCB
It all started after RCB's loss against RR in the Eliminator. Rayudu posted a cryptic reel from his Instagram and even said that you don't win IPL by just beating CSK or aggressively celebrating.
"If you talk about RCB today, it shows that only passion and celebrations don't win you trophies. You need to plan. You didn't get the IPL trophy just by reaching the playoffs. You have to play with the same hunger. Don't think you will win the IPL trophy just by beating CSK. You will have to come next year once again. They need to show more faith in Indians, especially in Indian talent. I don't think in the past 16 years any Indian batter apart from Virat Kohli has scored more than 1000 runs, and Virat is at 8000. That shows that you don't have any confidence in Indian talent," Rayudu said on Star Sports.
Rayudu was being targeted and questioned a lot by fans following his remark and Instagram reel after which he posted a response from his ‘X’ account.
"My heart truly goes out to all the rcb supporters who have passionately supported the team over the years. If only the management and the leaders had the teams interests ahead of individual milestones .. rcb would have won multiple titles. Just remember how many fantastic players have been let go off. Force your management to bring players who will put teams interests first. A great new chapter can start from the mega auction" tweeted Rayudu.
Rayudu retired from IPL after CSK's fifth title win in 2023. Since then he has been a part of the broadcasting team.
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