'Will Always Be A Thala's Fan, Stop Spending Money On Paid Pr And...': Ambati Rayudu Hits Out At MS Dhoni's Critics Amid IPL 2025

Ex-Chennai Super Kings batter Ambati Rayudu has strongly come out in support of MS Dhoni despite fans criticizing him over his performance in IPL 2025. Rayudu, who has played under Dhoni in the franchise for multiple seasons, has hit back at the 43-year-old's detractors, claiming that their thoughts make no difference to him.

The former Super Kings skipper had been retained as an uncapped player ahead of this season for ₹4 crore but has been far from his best, especially with the bat. Although Dhoni's intent has come under question in all the matches, his entry points are as much as scrutiny. It most came under the scanner when he came to bat at number nine against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and the five-time champions eventually lost by 50 runs.

He had the opportunity to win games for the Super Kings against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings. Nevertheless, he succeeded in neither of them

I was a Thala’s fan
I am a Thala’s fan
I will always be a Thala’s fan.

No matter what anyone thinks or does. It will not make a one percent difference.

So please stop spending money on paid pr and donate that to charity. Lot of underprivileged people can benefit.

— ATR (@RayuduAmbati) April 10, 2025

Taking to X, the 39-year-old wrote slamming the critics that they should stop spending the money on paid PR and do it on charity instead.

"I was a Thala’s fan I am a Thala’s fan I will always be a Thala’s fan. No matter what anyone thinks or does. It will not make a one percent difference. So please stop spending money on paid pr and donate that to charity. Lot of underprivileged people can benefit."

"He's still got the ability and power to hit those sixes" - Simon Doull on MS Dhoni

Speaking on Cricbuzz, former New Zealand pacer Simon Doull slammed the CSK management for sending in Dhoni late, given his ability to hit sixes at will and having hit three in 12 balls against PBKS. He stated:

"Dhoni had three sixes in 12 balls. The rest of the team had five in total. So that tells you he's still got the ability and power to hit those sixes. That's why we have been talking about getting him up in the order. Because 27 off 12 balls, when they are 2 down, actually can make a difference. It's not his fault."