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'An eye for an eye': Ambati Rayudu faces flak after social media post, clarifies statement
Ambati Rayudu was forced to clarify his statements as fans attacked him on social media. Image: Ambati Rayudu on X
Former India batter Ambati Rayudu, calling for peace at the time Pakistan launched a fresh attack on Indian cities on Thursday, has not gone down well with Indian social media users. The former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) cricketer, Rayudu, warned against the dangerous repercussions of escalating the conflict a little later after Pakistan targeted Indian cities across the north and west borders for a second consecutive time.
While India's Air Defence System neutralised all the missiles and drones directed toward cities in Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab and Rajasthan, Rayudu called for restraint on social media. He wrote the famous quote 'An eye for an eye makes the world blind,' which is often attributed to Mahatma Gandhi, on X.
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Rayudu calls for peace as tensions rise
In his next post, Rayudu also wrote that his prayers are with every Indian affected by the conflict in Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab and other parts. 'Prayers for peace and safety in Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab and other parts of India along the border. Hoping for strength, security and swift resolution for everyone affected. Jai Hind,' he shared.
Prayers for peace and safety in Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab and other parts of India along the border. Hoping for strength, security and swift resolution for everyone affected. Jai Hind! — ATR (@RayuduAmbati) May 8, 2025
Rayudu, however, faced a lot of flak on social media from Indian users who criticised his stand.
'Pathetic tweet, Ambati,' the popular cricket news handle Mufaddal Vohra wrote..
Another user instructed him that Rayudu should delete his social media post, as the first and only mistake was made by Pakistan with the Pahalgam terror attack.
'The best time to delete this tweet is now,' the user wrote. 'India didn't blink first but after what happened in Pahalgam, it can't keep its eyes shut.'
A few users also pointed out that Virat Kohli made the right decision by dropping Rayudu from India's 2019 World Cup squad. 'Kohli ne tere sath sahi kiya tha jo Vijay Shankar ko le gaya tha (Kohli did the right thing with you that he took Vijay Shankar),' he wrote.
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Rayudu clarifies his 'An eye for an eye' remark
Despite the constant criticism, Rayudu clarified that he doesn't see his message as a 'call for weakness' but a reminder that we need to have compassion in our hearts.
'An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind.' Let's remember — this isn't a call for weakness, but a reminder of wisdom. Justice must stand firm, but never lose sight of humanity. We can love our nation fiercely and still hold compassion in our hearts. Patriotism and peace can walk hand in hand.'
'An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind.'
Let's remember — this isn't a call for weakness, but a reminder of wisdom.
Justice must stand firm, but never lose sight of humanity.
We can love our nation fiercely and still hold compassion in our hearts.
Patriotism and peace can… — ATR (@RayuduAmbati) May 8, 2025
In a separate post, he also lauded the Indian armed forces for protecting our borders.
'In moments like these, we stand united not in fear, but in resolve. I feel immense gratitude to our Indian Army who are the real heroes who carry the weight of a nation with unmatched courage, discipline, and selflessness🙏🏻 Your sacrifices don't go unnoticed. Your bravery is what keeps the tricolour flying high and our borders safe. May your strength always lead us to safety, and may your service continue to pave the way for a more peaceful tomorrow. Jai Hind.'
In moments like these, we stand united not in fear, but in resolve. I feel immense gratitude to our Indian Army who are the real heroes who carry the weight of a nation with unmatched courage, discipline, and selflessness🙏🏻
Your sacrifices don't go unnoticed. Your bravery is what… — ATR (@RayuduAmbati) May 8, 2025
The former batter made another post on Friday morning where he admitted that peace should not come at the cost of dignity.
'I can't even comprehend what our families at the borders are going through right now. I stand with my people and I empathise with the families at the borders. India stands united not in hate, but in unwavering belief that justice must prevail. We are a nation that cherishes peace, but not at the cost of our security or dignity. May this moment lead us not only to Justice, but also hope that this ordeal will end soon for our families at the border.'
It appeared that constant criticism may have forced Rayudu to alter his statement.
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