Former Indian cricketer Ambati Rayudu joins Jagan Mohan Reddy's YSRCP

India's former cricketer Ambati Rayudu joined the Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP), Andhra Pradesh's ruling party on Thursday. The 38-year-old joined YSRCP in a ceremony, where Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, Deputy Chief Minister Narayan Swamy and YSRCP MP Peddireddy Mithun Reddy were present.

The party wrote on microblogging platform X (formerly Twitter), "Famous Indian cricketer Ambati Tirupati Rayudu joined the YSR Congress Party in the presence of Chief Minister Shri YS Jagan at the CM Camp office. Deputy CM Narayana Swamy and MP Peddireddy Mithun Reddy participated in this program." 

Well planned entry

Rayudu's entry into politics wasn't entirely unexpected. The Chennai Super Kings star, who bid adieu to cricket after leading the team to an IPL victory in 2023, had expressed his political ambitions soon after retirement. Rayudu embarked on a tour of his home state Andhra Pradesh, connecting with locals and immersing himself in their concerns.

"I shall soon enter politics in Andhra Pradesh to serve the people," Rayudu declared to local reporters during his tour. "Before that, I decided to visit different parts of the district to know the people's pulse and understand their problems."

He further added, "I shall come out with a concrete action plan on how to go about in politics and which platform I would choose."

Will Rayudu contest Lok Sabha elections?

Rayudu's decision to join YSRCP ahead of the Lok Sabha elections has sparked speculations about his electoral ambitions. Earlier, denied the reports of contesting from Guntur or Machilipatnam parliamentary constituencies.

What elements did Rayudu bring to the table for YSRCP?

For the YSRCP, Rayudu's star power holds immense potential. His popularity among the youth, both as an Andhra Pradesh native and a former Indian cricketer, can be a game-changer for the party. Moreover, his association with the widely followed Chennai Super Kings adds another layer of fan support across the country.

Ambati Rayudu represented India in 55 ODI matches and hammered 1694 runs at a healthy average of 47.06.