Shikhar Dhawan and Ambati Rayudu have shared the field as teammates for India at both the youth and senior levels.
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Shikhar Dhawan Shares Hilarious Anecdote About Ambati Rayudu During IPL 2025 Commentary
IPL 2025 is in full swing, and this season has introduced some new voices in the commentary box and expert panel. Among the fresh faces are Shikhar Dhawan and Ambati Rayudu. Rayudu last played in the IPL 2023 final, where Chennai Super Kings (CSK) triumphed over Gujarat Titans (GT), while Dhawan featured in his final IPL match during the 2024 season.
The duo has a long history together, having represented India at both the senior and youth levels. Notably, they were part of India’s squad in the 2004 ICC U19 Cricket World Cup, with Rayudu leading the team as captain. During a chat with Aakash Chopra and Rayudu on air, Dhawan recalled a hilarious incident from that tournament. India had lost to Pakistan in the semi-finals, a match Rayudu missed due to suspension. He was handed a one-match ban after breaching the ICC Code of Conduct for time-wasting in a previous game. Dhawan’s lighthearted retelling of the incident had everyone in splits, adding a fun twist to the broadcast.
Shikhar Dhawan brutally roasts Ambati Rayudu
While speaking on Star Sports during the IPL 2025 season, Shikhar Dhawan shared a hilarious anecdote about his former teammate Ambati Rayudu that had everyone in splits. “Ambati Rayudu ka bahut bada naam tha U19 mai. Humare captain the U19 World Cup mei aur waha pe bhi ban hogaye the, humara semi-final mar gaya,” Dhawan said, recalling how Rayudu, then captain of India’s U19 squad in the 2004 World Cup, missed the crucial semi-final after being banned for a Code of Conduct breach.
Aakash Chopra burst into laughter at Dhawan’s cheeky remark, while Rayudu—initially appearing irritated—eventually joined in the fun. The moment not only entertained viewers but also subtly referenced Rayudu’s history with bans, including his infamous BCCI suspension in 2007 when he joined the unauthorized Indian Cricket League (ICL). He played for the Hyderabad Heroes during the ICL stint, which led to a ban by the BCCI. However, in 2009, he was among 79 players granted amnesty, allowing him to return to domestic cricket, including the Ranji Trophy.
Rayudu’s career has seen its share of ups and downs. He gained national attention again in 2019 when he was controversially dropped from India’s World Cup squad. The selectors chose Vijay Shankar, calling him a “three-dimensional player,” prompting Rayudu to tweet a sarcastic jab and even receive a humorous offer from the Iceland Cricket Board.