Eight days after officially joining the Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP), cricketer-turned-politician Ambati Rayudu surprised everyone on Saturday by announcing his decision to resign from the party. After Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy started the 45-day sports festival “Adudham Andhra,” Rayudu, the former wicketkeeper-batsman for the Chennai Super Kings, joined the YSRCP on December 28.
Rayudu was selected as the sports festival’s brand ambassador, but according to local reports, he did not actively participate in the event. In a social media post, Rayudu stated, ‘This is to inform everyone that I have decided to quit the YSRCP Party and stay out of politics for a little while. Further action will be conveyed in due course of time.’
This is to inform everyone that I have decided to quit the YSRCP Party and stay out of politics for a little while. Further action will be conveyed in due course of time.
Thank You.
— ATR (@RayuduAmbati) January 6, 2024
Rayudu, a Guntur native, reportedly took part in party activities and spoke with party leaders in his hometown before joining the YSRCP.
Rayudu, who retired from international cricket in June 2023, has shown an interest in entering politics. He has played 55 one-day internationals and six T20 internationals for the Indian cricket team. During his 13-year IPL career, Rayudu also played for the Mumbai Indians and the Chennai Super Kings.