Kevin Pietersen Stands By Ambati Rayudu, Calls For End To Online Abuse

Ambati Rayudu has found himself embroiled in controversy once again following his actions during the IPL 2024.

The former Chennai Super Kings player has faced numerous issues this season. Notably, he criticised Virat Kohli and RCB superstars, blaming them for the franchise's failures.

After the IPL 2024 Final, Rayudu took another jab at the RCB team and their key player, stating that Orange Caps do not win IPL titles. He also openly supported Sunrisers Hyderabad before the final.

Rayudu, who hails from Andhra Pradesh, has a connection with SRH and supports them. The ex-India player was seen wearing an Orange waistcoat before the match. However, as KKR defeated SRH to win the IPL title, Rayudu switched to a Blue waistcoat.

English cricket expert Kevin Pietersen humorously criticised Rayudu on-air, calling him 'a joker' during the post-match show of the IPL 2024 final. This led to Rayudu facing significant online abuse.

No way Kevin Pietersen called Ambati Rayudu a Joker on live TV.#IPLFinal pic.twitter.com/LYigudOhig

RCBIANS OFFICIAL (@RcbianOfficial) May 27, 2024

The former India player has been subjected to online harassment, with fans directing abusive and offensive comments towards him. Observing this, Pietersen came to Rayudu's defence.

On Tuesday (May 28), Pietersen took to social media to urge Indian fans to reduce online abuse and stop tribalism. He clarified that his comments were merely banter with Rayudu and condemned the fans for their harsh treatment of the ex-Indian batter.

"Come on guys! This tribalism with/against Indian players on social media needs to slow down! Example -@RayuduAmbati and I were messing around after the IPL final and all of sudden that banter has turned into an avalanche of abuse towards Ambati. PLEASE stop it?" Pietersen wrote on his X profile.