Ambati Rayudu Highlights RCB's Misfocus On Personal Milestones After IPL 2024 Exit

Ambati Rayudu recently took a jab at Virat Kohli after Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) fans trolled him for posting an Instagram story mocking the team for losing the Eliminator against Rajasthan Royals and exiting the IPL 2024.

Rayudu shared a video on Instagram featuring Chennai Super Kings (CSK) players making a gesture of five, symbolising their five IPL trophies. The video was captioned, "Just a kind reminder from the 5-time champions."

RCB and Virat Kohli fans harshly criticised Rayudu, even reminding him of his exclusion from India's World Cup squad in 2019. On Friday, May 22, Rayudu responded with a subtle post aimed at RCB supporters.

The former CSK star expressed sympathy for RCB fans before criticising the management and senior players for prioritising personal milestones. The 38-year-old urged Bangalore fans to "force" the RCB management to focus on team interests during the IPL 2025 mega auction.

Virat Kohli is likely to emerge as the leading run-scorer in IPL 2024, finishing his campaign with 741 runs in 15 innings. Despite scoring over 900 runs in the 2016 season and 639 runs in IPL 2023, RCB has yet to secure their maiden IPL trophy.

Rayudu has previously criticised RCB for not retaining match-winning players. Yuzvendra Chahal, Heinrich Klaasen, KL Rahul, Travis Head, and Shivam Dube were all part of RCB in the past. Wanindu Hasaranga and Harshal Patel, the leading wicket-taker in IPL 2024, were also released ahead of the season.

"My heart truly goes out to all the RCB supporters who have passionately supported the team over the years. If only the management and leaders had the team's interests ahead of individual milestones... RCB would have won multiple titles. Just remember how many fantastic players have been let go. Force your management to bring players who will put team interests first. A great new chapter can start from the mega auction," Rayudu wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

My heart truly goes out to all the rcb supporters who have passionately supported the team over the years. If only the management and the leaders had the teams interests ahead of individual milestones .. rcb would have won multiple titles. Just remember how many fantastic players…

ATR (@RayuduAmbati) May 24, 2024

Rayudu received immediate support from former India cricketer Hemang Badani, who noted that 17 years without a single trophy requires serious introspection.

"This is coming from a man who has won six trophies. He knows what he's talking about. Time RCB emphasised on players who will win trophies and no I am not targeting any individual player. Just saying 16 years is a long time. Some introspection is needed. Please keep this civil," Badani wrote on X.

RCB lost seven of their first eight matches in IPL 2024 before winning six consecutive matches to qualify for the playoffs. On Wednesday, Rajasthan defeated them in the Eliminator, ending their title hopes once again.