Kevin Pietersen calls Ambati Rayudu ‘Joker’ on live television; Rayudu says “They bully”
Chennai: The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) celebrated an unprecedented high after clinching their third IPL title, overpowering the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in a thrilling final. The victory was a result of KKR's impeccable bowling attack, which dismantled Hyderabad's formidable openers, leading to a comprehensive win at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
During the post-match broadcasting presentation, former cricketers Kevin Pietersen and Matthew Hayden, alongside Ambati Rayudu, participated in the commentary and analysis segment. The exchange took a controversial twist when Pietersen and Hayden jested at Rayudu’s expense.
Presenter Mayanti Langer highlighted a notable wardrobe change by Rayudu, pointing out that he had donned an orange jacket before the match, symbolizing SRH, but switched to a purple one post-match, aligning with KKR’s victory colors. This playful observation led to Pietersen and Hayden calling Rayudu a "joker" on live television, which Rayudu found demeaning.
Rayudu, visibly uncomfortable with the remarks, later expressed his displeasure, stating, "They bully. Indians are not suited to work with Australians and English." His reaction has sparked discussions about the nature of camaraderie among former cricketers during broadcasts.
This incident added to Rayudu's recent history of outspoken comments, particularly against the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Following RCB’s elimination from the playoffs by the Rajasthan Royals in the 2024 IPL season, Rayudu, a staunch supporter of Chennai Super Kings (CSK), voiced his satisfaction at RCB’s defeat. His remarks were seen as a continuation of his lingering resentment after CSK was ousted from the playoffs by RCB.
Rayudu, who retired from the IPL as a champion with CSK in 2023, has maintained a strong allegiance to his former franchise. His pointed comments against RCB reflect the intense rivalries that define the IPL, though they have also stirred controversy among fans and analysts.
No way Kevin Pietersen called Ambati Rayudu a Joker on live TV.#IPLFinal pic.twitter.com/LYigudOhig
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ED raids in case against former Punjab Police DIG Bhullar, linked entities
Chandigarh (PTI): The Enforcement Directorate on Monday conducted searches at multiple locations in Punjab as part of a money laundering probe against former state police DIG Harcharan Singh Bhullar and entities linked to him, officials said.
They said about 11 premises in Chandigarh, Ludhiana, Patiala, Nabha and Jalandhar linked to the accused, his associates and suspected benamidars (the owner in whose name a benami property is held) are being covered under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) probe stems from a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) case registered against Bhullar on allegations that he sought illegal gratification through a middleman for settlement of a criminal case, along with detection of assets disproportionate to known sources of income.
The searches aim to trace further proceeds of the alleged crime, identify benami assets and gather evidence related to money laundering, ED officials said.
Bhullar, who was serving as the deputy inspector general (DIG) of police (Ropar Range), was arrested by the CBI in October 2025 after a scrap dealer alleged that bribe was demanded from him through an intermediary to settle a case.
