Ambati Rayudu reveals reason behind MS Dhoni’s IPL 2023 trophy gesture

Following Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) victory over Gujarat Titans (GT) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 final, skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni had a heartwarming gesture for star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja and veteran batsman Ambati Rayudu.

The Captain Cool called upon both Jadeja and Rayudu to receive the IPL trophy with him during the post-match presentation ceremony. Rayudu has finally revealed the reason behind Dhoni’s king-sized gesture.

“Before the presentation ceremony, Dhoni called me and Jaddu, 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 on his part. I don’t think that has ever happened. That’s the person he is, and the person that the world knows. Overall, it is his gesture,” said Rayudu during an interview.

CSK head coach Stephen Fleming also heaped praise of Rayudu. Highlighting Rayudu’a knock, Fleming said that CSK will miss the veteran Indian batsman.

“Rayudu has been an absolute legend. I rate him so high as a batsman. He will leave a hole, there is no doubt about it, but the game keeps moving. We expected that for him to go out like that was pretty emotional within the group and for him as well,” said the former New Zealand captain.

Notably, Rayudu had announced his retirement before the IPL 2023 final and it was his last game.