IPL 2021: Twitter explodes as Ambati Rayudu steamrolls Mumbai Indians' bowlers with his 72* off 27

Ambati Rayudu put on an absolute show at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi during the IPL 2021 match between Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians. His knock of 72* runs from just 27 balls helped CSK finish on a high and with a score of 218 for 4 in their 20 overs. Rayudu’s knock was a key factor after CSK got off to an incredible start. 

Earlier in the evening, Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma won the toss and elected to bowl first. The plan seemed to work fine when they got the wicket of Ruturaj Gaikwad for just four in the first over. Moeen Ali then joined Faf du Plessis at the crease to put together a stand to help the recovery of CSK innings. 

They counter-attacked the Mumbai Indians bowlers as the innings kept moving on quite well with good momentum. Ali notched a fifty, ending with 58 runs from 36 balls. Du Plessis, on the other hand, made 50 runs from 28 balls as well. Their partnership of 108 runs allowed CSK to keep the command on the match. 

Ambati Rayudu’s 72 takes CSK to 218 against Mumbai

However, they got out in successive overs which brought the Mumbai team back in the game. Suresh Raina also got out for just two to further put Chennai into trouble. With Ravindra Jadeja finding it difficult to time the ball, it was crucial that Rayudu kept the run rate under check and that is exactly what he did. 

During the knock, he hit seven sixes and was in a never-before-seen mood, taking on each and every Mumbai bowler. The fact that Mumbai is his former IPL franchise just adds another angle to this innings. He also hit four fours and ended with a strike rate of 266.67. Jadeja on the other end played a supporting act and watched the batsman take on the opposition bowlers. He ended with a 22-ball 22. 

The partnership between the two players yielded 102 runs for CSK from just 48 balls. Rayudu’s innings just shifted the momentum towards Chennai. While Jadeja struggled to get a move on, Rayudu took on the destructive mode, something which he isn’t really known for. 

VAATHI RAYUDU! 💥#MIvCSK #WhistlePodu #Yellove 🦁💛

— Chennai Super Kings – Mask P😷du Whistle P🥳du! (@ChennaiIPL) May 1, 2021

Rayuduuu WOW 💉💉

— Riya (@reaadubey) May 1, 2021

72* in 27 balls from Rayudu is one of the most destructive knocks ever seen in the IPL. Was delightful to watch!

Probably would have been an even more entertaining watch in 3D!!#MIvCSK

— Prasenjit Dey 📰 (@CricPrasen) May 1, 2021

72 of 27. Sab ulta hai in 3D mode.
The 3D glasses he ordered worked like how.
Absolutely brilliant hitting from Rayudu.
Chennai Romba Nalla this season. #CSKvMI pic.twitter.com/FVp8a7Q0KW

— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) May 1, 2021

Wow! What a knock by #rayadu ! That was a phenomenal knock for @ChennaiIPL when they were in a tricky situation! Looks like the Yellow brigade just showed what they can do to one of the best bowling attacks in the IPl! #MIvsCSK #IPL2021

— Kris Srikkanth (@KrisSrikkanth) May 1, 2021

This #CSK team could feature in the next ‘Transformers’ movie. Unbelievable transformation in a matter of six months. Team that’s hit most sixes this season. Struggled to get going in 2020….unstoppable in 2021. #IPL2021

— Wear a Mask. Stay Safe, India (@cricketaakash) May 1, 2021

What a knock by Ambati Rayudu. Coming into this game with no extraordinary form, but he scored 72 in just 27 balls with 7 sixes. The way he took on Mumbai Indians' bowlers was an absolute treat. His one of the best IPL knock for sure, totally dominated the bowlers. pic.twitter.com/tepyF6Fa7l

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) May 1, 2021

Rayudu did a Bairstow by destroying the fridge. pic.twitter.com/R2Au3kbhWx

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) May 1, 2021

Rayudu came in the 12th over and scored unbeaten 72 runs from 27 balls – one of the finest knock in IPL history.

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) May 1, 2021

Tonight Rayudu destroyed a Fridge, MI bowling attack and MSK Prasad.

— Sagar (@sagarcasm) May 1, 2021

How Rayudu saw the MI team today#MIvCSK pic.twitter.com/XV2WzANzhF

— Not Daniel Alexander (@_UnrealDaniel) May 1, 2021

Rayudu, FAF & Moeen today. CSK is batting on a different gear this season. They have adapted so well to the changing demands of this format.

— Joy Bhattacharjya (@joybhattacharj) May 1, 2021

That’s some incredible hitting, Rayudu 👏

— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) May 1, 2021

BCCI selectors watching Ambati Rayudu's innings pic.twitter.com/1YCn2SGJel

— Sagar (@sagarcasm) May 1, 2021