Former India and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batter Ambati Rayudu has opened up about one of the most unforgettable moments in IPL history — the rare sight of MS Dhoni losing his cool. The incident took place during the 2019 season in a tense clash against the Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Jaipur, where the usually composed CSK skipper stormed onto the field to confront the umpires.
In the final over of the match, CSK needed eight runs from three balls to win. Ben Stokes delivered a high full toss to Mitchell Santner, which the on-field umpire initially signalled as a no-ball for height. However, the square-leg umpire overruled the decision, sparking immediate frustration from Dhoni. The CSK captain walked onto the pitch to seek clarification from the officials — a rare and shocking moment for fans used to his calm demeanour.
Speaking on the JioHotstar show Cheeky Singles, Rayudu recalled the heated moment with a hint of humour. “Bas yehi soch rahe the ki Mahi bhai bas haath uthaye aur hum log phir bhaage maarne ke liye (We were waiting for MS Dhoni to raise his hand so we could run in and join the fight),” Rayudu joked.
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Despite the controversy, CSK went on to win the match by four wickets, with Santner sealing the victory in dramatic style. Dhoni, however, was fined 50% of his match fee for a Level Two breach of the IPL Code of Conduct.
Rayudu also revealed Dhoni’s approach towards fair play points, saying the captain often advised him not to signal wides or no-balls to umpires. “‘Batting kar magar haath mat faila. Mere fairplay ke point nikal jayenge’ (Just bat, don’t raise your arms. I’ll lose fair play points),” Dhoni would tell him. Ironically, in the same season, it was Dhoni himself who entered the field in protest — yet CSK still managed to clinch the fair play award.
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The veteran batter also touched on his time with Mumbai Indians (MI), saying sledging was rare because the entire MI dressing room stood united. “If someone said anything, three or four players would go after him. That’s why no one messed with MI much. RCB tried it a couple of times, but they soon realised it wouldn’t work,” Ambati Rayudu revealed.
Ambati Rayudu retired from all forms of Indian cricket in May 2023, ending a decorated career with six IPL titles — the joint-most alongside Rohit Sharma. But for fans, his light-hearted anecdotes about MS Dhoni and IPL battles remain as memorable as his match-winning knocks.
