Amabati Rayudu, former cricketer, quits Jagan Reddy's party week after joining

Cricketer-turned-politician Ambati Rayudu on Saturday announced his decision to quit the Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP), just eight days after joining the party. The Chennai Super Kings wicketkeeper-batter joined YSRCP on December 28, two days after Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy launched a 45-day sports festival 'Adudham Andhra' (Let's play Andhra).

According to the local reports, Rayudu didn't take part in the sports festival despite being appointed as brand ambassador for the sports festival.

In his X post, Rayudu said, "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."

It is reported that ahead of joining the YSRCP party, Rayudu, who hails from Guntur, had participated in the party programmes and he also reached out to party leaders in his native place.

Rayudu announced his retirement from international cricket in June 2023 and expressed his interest in joining politics. The 38-year-old played 55 one-dayers and six T20 international matches for the Indian cricket team. Rayudu played for Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings in his 13-year IPL career.