Former India cricketer Ambati Rayudu has finally opened up about the infamous on-air spat with Kevin Pietersen during the IPL 2024 season. The controversy began ahead of the final between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), when Pietersen jokingly called Rayudu a “joker” during live television coverage.

While the remark sparked plenty of debate among fans, Rayudu has now clarified that the comment impacted Pietersen more than it did him. The incident took place when Rayudu switched from wearing an orange waistcoat to a purple one, prompting Pietersen to take a cheeky dig.

“I have at least held firm. I wore it and I owned it. You are a joker, always a joker,” Kevin Pietersen said on air. Rayudu, however, responded calmly, stating, “I am supporting both teams. I am supporting good cricket.”

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Ambati Rayudu later revealed the backstory, explaining the change of jackets was due to Chennai’s scorching heat.

No way Kevin Pietersen called Ambati Rayudu a Joker on live TV.#IPLFinal pic.twitter.com/LYigudOhig

— RCBIANS OFFICIAL (@RcbianOfficial) May 27, 2024

“That day we had not picked teams. On air, he said whatever, but we could also tell him things because he played for RCB and did not do anything. I was maintaining professional decorum. He apologised later for saying that on air. We were just having banter, but people took it differently. It actually affected him more, not me,” Ambati Rayudu shared during a podcast with Shubhankar Mishra.

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Despite the controversy, Rayudu’s legacy in the IPL remains untarnished. The stylish middle-order batter is among the most decorated players in the league, having won multiple titles with both Mumbai Indians (MI) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK), two of the most dominant franchises in IPL history.