'If they had team's interests before individual milestones': Ambati Rayudu launches scathing attack on RCB

Former Indian and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batter Ambati Rayudu launched a fresh attack on Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) following their exit from IPL 2024. Under Faf du Plessis, the Bengaluru-based franchise had a terrible start with a solitary win from eight games before they attained a six-match winning streak to enter the playoffs. But in the Eliminator, they faced Rajasthan Royals (RR) where Sanju Samson & Co. won byfour wickets on Wednesday (May 22) in Ahmedabad.

After RCB's exit, Rayudutook to his official account on X, formerly Twitter, to sympathisewith the loyalists of the franchise. Helauded them for their support despite their team’s poor performances over the years. The former cricketer-turned-commentator then lashed out at the team management for focusing on individual milestones and letting go of various match-winners over the years.

Rayudu wrote, "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 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 the teams interests first. A great new chapter can start from the mega auction."

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This isn't the first instance of Rayudu taking a dig at the RCB franchise. Soon after their elimination, Ryaudu said on Star Sports, "If you talk about RCB today, it shows that only passion and aggressive celebrations don't win you trophies. You need to plan. You didn't get the IPL trophy just by reaching the playoffs. You have to play with the same hunger. Don't think you will win the IPL trophy just by beating CSK. You will have to come next year once again."

Talking about RR-RCB's clash in the Eliminator,Samson-led RR opted to bowl first and rode on Avesh Khan's three-fer and R Ashwin's 2 for 19 to restrict RCB for 172/8. In reply, RR rode on Yashasvi Jaiswal's 45 (30), Riyan Parag's 36 (26), Shimron Hetmyer's 26 (14) and Rovman Powell's 16* (8) to win the game by four wickets and an over to spare.

After RCB's exit, captain Faf said at the post-match presentation, "Extremely proud. Lot of teams - their wheels would've fallen off after 1 from 9. To come back like that, six games in a row, takes a lot of heart and character."