AMARAVATI: Former Indian cricketer Ambati Rayudu has joined politics. The player, who has retired from international cricket and IPL, has officially announced that politics is his second innings. Rayudu has joined YSR Congress, the ruling party of Andhra Pradesh and the party of Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy.
As he joined the party at the Chief Minister's office, he was received by Jagan Mohan Reddy by making him wear a shawl. Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister K Narayana Swamy and Rajampet Lok Sabha Member P Midhun Reddy were also present to receive Rayudu.
YSR Congress confirmed Rayudu's entry into politics through the party's official X account. Rayudu's entry into politics has been rumoured ever since he attended several public functions recently. There are also indications that the cricketer may contest in the assembly elections to be held next year.
సీఎం క్యాంప్ కార్యాలయంలో ముఖ్యమంత్రి శ్రీ వైఎస్ జగన్ సమక్షంలో వైఎస్సార్ కాంగ్రెస్ పార్టీలో చేరిన ప్రముఖ భారత క్రికెటర్ అంబటి తిరుపతి రాయుడు.
— YSR Congress Party (@YSRCParty) December 28, 2023
ఈ కార్యక్రమంలో పాల్గొన్న డిప్యూటీ సీఎం నారాయణ స్వామి, ఎంపీ పెద్దిరెడ్డి మిథున్ రెడ్డి.#CMYSJagan#AndhraPradesh @RayuduAmbati pic.twitter.com/QJJk07geHL
The star has played 55 ODIs and six Twenty20 matches for India. He played 204 matches in the IPL for Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings. The player won the IPL title with Mumbai in 2013, 2015 and 2017 and with Chennai in 2018, 2021 and 2023 seasons.