Ambati Rayudu, former Indian middle-order batsman, recently announced his retirement from Indian cricket after securing his sixth Indian Premier League (IPL) title, tying a record. Although now he is stepping into the world of politics. According to a report in The Times of India, the 37-year-old cricketer, who was controversially dropped from the ODI World Cup 2019 squad, is expected to join Andhra Pradesh’s Yuvajana Shramik Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) and its Can run for Lok Sabha elections next year.
Ambati Rayudu is likely to enter politics. Andhra Pradesh CM YS Jagan Mohan Reddy wants Rayudu to contest the next election. (Reported by TOI). pic.twitter.com/vFTXNmGqvy
– Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) June 17, 2023
Reports suggest that Rayudu is considering contesting for either the Krishna or Guntur districts. The former cricketer, who hails from Guntur himself, had met Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and YSRCP leader YS Jagan Mohan Reddy twice last week. Jagan is reportedly interested in fielding Rayudu in the upcoming elections, but it is yet to be decided whether he will contest the assembly elections or the Lok Sabha elections.
Expressing his admiration for Jagan, Rayudu said, “Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy is a great inspiration for youths entering politics. He is developing in all areas instead of focusing on just one area.” He also said that he would defer Jagan’s decision.
Sources within the party have suggested that Rayudu should consider contesting the assembly elections from Ponnur or Guntur West regions, and for the Lok Sabha elections, he should consider Machilipatnam.
With more than eight months left for the next Lok Sabha elections, a lot can change. At present, after retiring from IPL and Indian cricket, Rayudu is preparing to participate in Major League Cricket (MLC). He will represent the Texas Super Kings team, which is the sister franchise of Chennai Super Kings.