Former Indian cricketer Ambati Rayudu recently joined the Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) in the presence of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy at the CM office in Vijayawada. The event was attended by Andhra Pradesh Deputy CM Narayana Swamy and MP Peddireddy Mithun Reddy, who warmly welcomed Rayudu into the political fold. The official YSRCP X (formerly Twitter) handle shared a video of the program, announcing the cricketer’s affiliation with the party.
Ambati Rayudu, known for his cricketing prowess, retired from all forms of the sport after the 2023 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. His cricketing journey included representing Andhra Pradesh and Hyderabad in domestic cricket. The former India One Day International (ODI) specialist had earlier retired from international cricket, a decision influenced by his omission from the 2019 World Cup squad in England.
He expressed his intention to serve the people through politics while he was on visit to Mutluru village
About a month after bidding farewell to his cricketing career, Rayudu officially declared his entry into Andhra Pradesh politics. During a visit to Mutluru village in June, he expressed his intention to serve the people through politics. Rayudu stated his plan to tour different parts of the district, connecting with the public to understand their concerns and needs.
Speculation had arisen regarding Rayudu’s potential candidacy in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, with suggestions that he might contest from either Guntur or Machilipatnam parliamentary constituencies.
The YSRCP’s tweet acknowledged Rayudu’s entry into the party, emphasizing the significant moment of his induction into politics. The participation of Chief Minister YS Jagan, Deputy CM Narayana Swamy, and MP Peddireddy Mithun Reddy underscored the party’s support for Rayudu’s political journey.
Ambati Rayudu’s transition from cricket to politics represents a common trend where sports personalities venture into public service. His decision to understand the people’s needs firsthand and engage with local communities reflects a commitment to grassroots politics and a desire to contribute to the welfare of Andhra Pradesh.
