Fact Check: Did Ambati Rayudu Really Call Navjot Singh Sidhu a ‘Chameleon’ On Air During IPL 2025?

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In what has become one of the most dramatic moments of the IPL 2025 broadcast season, Ambati Rayudu, the former India and Chennai Super Kings batter, stirred massive controversy by allegedly calling Navjot Singh Sidhu a "girgit" (chameleon) during a live broadcast. But was it real or staged for effect?

The verbal exchange occurred during the Punjab Kings vs Chennai Super Kings clash when the topic veered toward loyalty and consistency. A now-viral clip shows Rayudu bluntly accusing Sidhu of switching sides too often: "Aap toh girgit ho (You're a chameleon)," Rayudu remarked, much to the surprise of the panel.

Sidhu, never one to retreat, responded with theatrical flair: "Is sansar me girgit ki tarah koi hai to tumhare aradhyadev hai." ("If there's someone in this world like a chameleon, it's your idol.") His cutting comeback stunned the panel into silence, leaving viewers wondering if the spat was genuine or exaggerated for entertainment.

The moment quickly exploded across social media, dividing the internet. Some fans applauded Rayudu's audacity, while others felt the exchange crossed a professional line. Sidhu's poetic clapback, on the other hand, earned praise for its sharp wit.

While there is no official confirmation from the broadcasting network regarding whether the banter was scripted, sources from the production team said that the exchange was "completely unscripted" and caught even the director off-guard.

Interestingly, this wasn't Sidhu's only moment of confrontation on air this week. During the Lucknow Super Giants vs Kolkata Knight Riders game, Sidhu was caught in another verbal duel - -this time with fellow commentator Virender Sehwag.

In typical Sidhu style, he waxed lyrical: "No matter what you do, I stand by my word. I'm true to my word and never back down." He then cited a famous line from Indian folklore: "Raghukul reet sada chalee aaee, praan jaaye par vachan na jaee." But Sehwag, never short on comebacks, floored him with: "We've seen how firm you really are. In every IPL match, your emotions change from one innings to the next."

Even Aakash Chopra, who was caught between Navjot Singh Sidhu and Sehwag in the commentary box, couldn't help but laugh as the verbal jabs flew over the mic.

As for Rayudu, this isn't the first time he's made headlines in the commentary box. His unfiltered takes and fiery tone have become a regular feature. Just days ago, he clashed with Sanjay Bangar over the leadership dynamics at Mumbai Indians, leading to another viral moment.

While his candid approach has won fans who appreciate "real talk," critics argue that Rayudu's commentary style often veers into personal territory, making it polarising at best.

So, did Ambati Rayudu really call Sidhu a chameleon on air? Yes. Was it staged? Unlikely. It appears to be just another raw, unscripted moment in what is quickly becoming the most explosive commentary lineup in IPL history.