Former Indian cricketer Ambati Rayudu has named the toughest bowler he ever faced in the Indian Premier League (IPL), and it’s none other than Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) mystery spinner, Sunil Narine. The former batter, now a commentator, admitted that Narine consistently troubled him throughout his IPL career, as he struggled to read the spinner’s deceptive variations.
Rayudu, one of the most decorated players in IPL history, shares the record for the most titles alongside Rohit Sharma. Across his illustrious career, he secured six championships—three with Mumbai Indians (2013, 2015, 2017) and three with Chennai Super Kings (2018, 2021, 2023). His ability to perform under pressure made him a key figure in both franchises’ success.
During a discussion on ESPNcricinfo, former England cricketer Nick Knight posed an intriguing question to Rayudu: “Who’s the best bowler you’ve ever faced in the IPL?” Without hesitation, Rayudu named Narine, explaining how the West Indian spinner’s unpredictability made life extremely difficult for him at the crease.
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“The one who has troubled me the most is Sunil Narine. I never picked him. If I can use the word, I used to play fresh cricket. Somehow, I never picked him. And every time I tried to charge and bluff my way into it, going this side of it, it always turned the other side,” Ambati Rayudu revealed.
Rayudu bid farewell to his IPL career after Chennai Super Kings’ triumphant 2023 campaign. He had announced his retirement before the final against the Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, making his exit on a high note. Over 14 IPL seasons, he amassed 4,348 runs in 203 matches at an average of 28.23 and a strike rate of 127.54.
Known for his ability to take on spinners and accelerate in the middle overs, Rayudu was a dependable match-winner. Beyond the IPL, Rayudu explored overseas leagues, representing Texas Super Kings in the inaugural Major League Cricket (MLC) season in 2023 and playing for St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) the same year.
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Meanwhile, Sunil Narine has remained a one-franchise player throughout his IPL career, debuting for KKR in 2012. He has been instrumental in their three championship victories, consistently bamboozling batters with his variations and maintaining his reputation as one of the league’s most formidable spinners.
