MS Dhoni’s Ardent Admirer Gets Massive Role For Indian Cricket’s Improvements

Ambati Rayudu gets a job in HCA [Source: AFP]

Former Indian legend MS Dhoni has a whole army of fans across the world. However, a few of his colleagues also adore him a lot, and recently, one of his admirers got a big role in cricket administration.

Dhoni is currently absent from IPL 2026 as he is nursing a calf injury. He is yet to play a single game for CSK, and in his absence, Sanju Samson is keeping the wickets.

Ambati Rayudu to head HCA’s new department

Meanwhile, former CSK cricketer Ambati Rayudu has been a long-time fan of MS Dhoni. While he is no longer playing, his love for cricket has not died down.

Recently, Rayudu was appointed as Head of Cricket Operations at the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA). Taking charge for an initial three-year term, Ambati made it clear that tackling corruption within the system will be his top priority. 

ATR

@RayuduAmbati

I am very happy to announce that I have been appointed as the Head of cricketing operations for HCA. by Justice P Naveen Rao(SMC) , M Jeevan reddy (Secretary HCA) and the apex council. It is a great opportunity to clean up a few things but I am more excited to see the immense

A major part of his plan includes introducing a modern player contract system, similar to reforms seen in the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA). 

Not only that, but Ambati Rayudu also revealed his long-term goals, such as building a centre of excellence on the lines of facilities in Bengaluru, while pushing for open trials to identify talent across all levels.  

With the formation of a dedicated anti-corruption unit and plans for a grievance redressal system, Rayudu’s tenure could see a strong push toward accountability in HCA.

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Rayudu’s admiration for MS Dhoni

That being said, Ambati Rayudu has always been a fan of MS Dhoni. During the IPL 2025 season, he was enthusiastically enjoying Dhoni’s sixes from the commentary box.

Even when fans called him biased towards Dhoni, Rayudu hit back at the criticism and always supported MS Dhoni in his good and bad times.

The duo spent significant time playing together in the IPL, and hence, their bond became stronger season by season. While Dhoni is still playing a 44, Ambati Rayudu quit cricket a while ago.

MS Dhoni is still not fit to play in IPL 2026

That being said, concerns around MS Dhoni’s availability for the remainder of the IPL 2026 season have deepened after the veteran once again missed CSK’s clash with Delhi Capitals.

He didn’t travel with the team to Delhi and chose to continue in rehab in Chennai itself. The 44-year-old has already missed 9 games this season due to a calf injury.

Although a franchise official has indicated that MS Dhoni should be available at some stage, there remains no clear timeline for his return. 

Despite Dhoni’s absence, CSK have managed to stay in the playoff race, winning four of their last six matches. Though, they started slow, the Super Kings are now sitting at the sixth spot on the points table.

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