In a dramatic turn of events during the IPL 2025 match between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK), former cricketers Navjot Singh Sidhu and Ambati Rayudu engaged in a heated exchange that quickly went viral on social media. The incident unfolded during the commentary of the match, which saw PBKS clinch a victory by 18 runs, marking CSK’s fourth loss in five matches.
The controversy began when Rayudu, a former CSK batter known for his vocal support of the team and its captain MS Dhoni, accused Sidhu of being a ‘girgit’ (chameleon) for allegedly shifting his loyalties. Rayudu’s comment was met with laughter, but Sidhu responded strongly, defending himself and turning the accusation back on Rayudu. ‘What you are saying is completely wrong. Girgit agar kisi kaa aaradhyadev hain toh woh tumhara hain (If there is someone who is like a chameleon, it is your idol),’ Sidhu retorted, sparking a flurry of reactions online.
Rayudu’s outspoken nature was further highlighted in another intense discussion with former Team India batting coach Sanjay Bangar. The conversation revolved around the role of Rohit Sharma within the Mumbai Indians (MI) setup. Bangar emphasized Rohit’s importance in decision-making, suggesting he could provide valuable inputs to MI captain Hardik Pandya. However, Rayudu disagreed, advocating for a captain to be left to make decisions independently. ‘I don’t think Hardik needs inputs. You cannot have 10 people in his ear like last year,’ Rayudu argued, to which Bangar responded by highlighting Rohit’s successful leadership history with MI.
This clash not only added a layer of drama to the IPL 2025 season but also underscored the passionate and sometimes contentious nature of cricket commentary. As the tournament progresses, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if more such fiery exchanges unfold on the airwaves.