Rayudu slams critics, says he is always Dhoni’s fan

Former Chennai Super Kings star Ambati Rayudu has pledged his unwavering support to MS Dhoni amid IPL 2025. His clarification comes amid fans blaming the ex-Indian batter for switching sides despite being an ardent CSK fans over the years. CSK and Dhoni have come under fire owing to their miserable performances in IPL 2025 so far.

Rayudu is Dhoni’s fan, that’s it

Taking to social media platform X, Rayudu hit out at his critics. He noted that he was, will and continue to be Dhoni’s fan forever. Rayudu suggested that his critics rather stop spending money on “Paid PR” and instead donate it to the underprivileged.

For the record, Rayudu was referred to as a chameleon by Navjot Singh Sidhu on-air, during CSK’s last match against PBKS. While being an ardent CSK fan, the batter has also criticised CSK’s performances in IPL 2025, and his opinions included scathing takes on Dhoni’s batting position along with CSK’s run so far.

He also had commented on Dhoni’s presence in CSK, noting that it was more for CSK’s brand value than cricket’s.

Speaking to ESPNCricinfo, Rayudu claimed that the phenomenal support for Dhoni feels pretty strage and doesn’t serve the game well. He said that it had been happening for quite a few years and that several players have felt it. His remarks come in the backdrop of Thala fans abusing Rachin Ravindra on social media for not letting the legend finish the game for CSK against MI.

“It is quite strange, and I don’t think it actually serves the game well. It is quite daunting if you’re a newcomer. Even though we also love Dhoni, and they also love him, and we want to see him bat, but sometimes when you, as an individual, are going out to bat, they are shouting from the crowd to… literally asking you to get out. Or they are anticipating or expecting you to get out,” Rayudu said.