"Your brain will explode if you will spend more time at MI" - Ambati Rayudu opens up on philosophical differences between CSK and MI

Former Indian batter Ambati Rayudu opened up on the difference in philosophy between the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and the Mumbai Indians (MI) by saying the former focuses more on the process while the latter is completely result-oriented.

Rayudu is among the rare players to have played for both franchises during his illustrious IPL career. The 38-year-old was part of the MI setup from 2010 to 2017, including three title runs.

He moved to CSK in 2018 until the end of his career in 2023, winning another three titles with the franchise.

Speaking on Star Sports after MI's latest defeat to the Rajasthan Royals (RR) in IPL 2024, Rayudu detailed the stark contrasts between MI and CSK despite the incredible success of both franchises.

“I feel CSK has a much better environment. MI mey jydada khelne se brain fatt jayega (Your brain will explode if you will spend more time at MI). Both CSK and MI have two different cultures but at the end of the day, both work hard," said Rayudu.

He added:

"CSK focuses more on the process. They do not analyse results much. Their mood and mood swings are not because of the results. MI is bit different. MI mostly want to win and their culture is like everything depends on winning. They have a culture of, jeetna hi hai (Win is a must). Winning is non-negotiable."

CSK and MI have been the benchmark franchises of the IPL with five IPL titles each. However, recent success has belonged to CSK, winning twice in the last three seasons, including their fifth title last year.

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"When I used to play for MI, my game improved a lot" - Ambati Rayudu

Ambati Rayudu felt his game improved drastically during the years with MI, thanks to their high demands for individual performances and team success.

The right-handed batter finished his IPL career with almost 4,000 runs at an average of 29.44 and a strike rate of 127.47 in 175 games.

"When I used to play for MI, my game improved a lot. If you had not won the match, they do not see an excuse. At the end of the day, you have to perform. MI has an environment where you keep getting better and CSK has an environment. Wahaan aapko better bana diya jaata hai (At CSK you are made better and that too without any hassle)," said Rayudu.

Both the high-profile teams have struggled for consistency in the ongoing IPL. While CSK is in fourth place with four wins in seven games, MI is seventh with only three victories in eight outings.