Reports: Ambati Rayudu to join politics, likely to contest Lok Sabha polls

Former India cricketer Ambati Rayudu is preparing for his second innings after calling time on all forms of Indian cricket. The Andhra Pradesh-born cricketer is expected to join politics as reports surface that he is likely to contest the Lok Sabha elections.

The 37-year-old, recently, met with the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, twice in recent times. Notably, Reddy is also the head of YSRCP. The CM reportedly wants the Indian cricketer to compete in the next polls.

As per a report in The Times of India, Rayudu might contest in the polls but it is yet to be confirmed, whether it is the assembly or Lok Sabha. The senior politicians in the YSRCP think the cricketer should either contest from Ponnur or Guntur West segments for assembly polls. In case of Lok Sabha elections, they feel he should pick Machilipatnam, the reports further claimed.

Rayudu praised the CM, stating he is a big inspiration for youngsters entering politics. 

"CM Jagan Mohan Reddy is a big inspiration for youngsters entering politics. He is spearheading development in all the regions instead of concentrating on one area," the cricketer was quoted as saying by News 18. 

Rayudu to play for Texas Super Kings in inaugural MLC season

Ambati Rayudu will still be seen in action on the field in the inaugural season of the Major League Cricket (MLC) in the United States of America. The 2023 MLC will be played from July 14 to July 31, and will be held across two venues in the USA.

Rayudu will be playing for Texas Super Kings (TSK), co-owned by the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Chennai Super Kings (CSK). The six-time IPL-winning player will team up with the other overseas players' Devon Conway, Mitchell Santner, Dwayne Bravo, David Miller, Daniel Sams, and Gerald Coetzee. Former South Africa skipper and CSK batter, Faf du Plessis, will lead the side in USA's first-ever T20 tournament.