IPL 2025 has brought not just cricketing action but also a fair share of off-field entertainment, thanks to new additions in the commentary box.
This season, broadcasters have introduced several fresh faces as experts and commentators, including Shikhar Dhawan and Ambati Rayudu. While Rayudu retired after playing in the IPL 2023 final for Chennai Super Kings, Dhawan featured in his last match during the same season.
The duo, former teammates at both junior and senior levels, recently reunited on Star Sports’ IPL coverage. Their shared past came alive when Dhawan recounted a hilarious incident from their U19 World Cup days, leaving the studio in laughter.
Dhawan’s Hilarious Jab At Rayudu’s U19 Suspension
In a segment hosted by Aakash Chopra, Dhawan narrated how Rayudu, the captain of India’s 2004 U19 World Cup team, ended up missing the crucial semi-final against Pakistan due to a suspension. “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 with a chuckle.
The incident he referred to was Rayudu’s one-match ban for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct, specifically for time-wasting and on-field misconduct. His absence was a massive blow for India, who eventually lost the semi-final to arch-rivals Pakistan.
Rayudu’s Troubled History with Bans
Dhawan’s cheeky remark not only revived memories from 2004 but also drew indirect parallels to Rayudu’s BCCI ban in 2007, when he joined the unsanctioned Indian Cricket League (ICL). During that period, he represented Hyderabad Heroes, which led to a temporary ban by BCCI.
Although the BCCI later offered amnesty in 2009 and Rayudu returned to domestic cricket, his career continued to be marked by high-profile controversies, including his snub from India’s 2019 World Cup squad.
From Snubs to Sarcasm: Rayudu’s Rollercoaster Ride
When Rayudu was overlooked in favor of Vijay Shankar for the 2019 World Cup, he famously tweeted about ordering a “3D” pair of glasses—mocking the selectors’ reasoning that Shankar offered a “three-dimensional” skill set.
Even the Iceland Cricket Board cheekily offered him a spot in their national team.
Rayudu eventually retired from international cricket in 2019 and hung up his IPL boots in 2023. Post-retirement, he joined Texas Super Kings for the inaugural Major League Cricket (MLC) season.
Old Teammates, New Banter
Rayudu’s reaction to Dhawan’s roast was a mix of surprise and amusement. Initially appearing annoyed, he eventually joined the laughter along with Chopra. The moment showcased the light-hearted chemistry and camaraderie between the former teammates—adding a dash of humor to IPL 2025’s expert panel.
