Ambati Rayudu, the veteran Indian cricketer, has expressed his disappointment and surprise at being snubbed from the 2019 ODI World Cup squad. Rayudu, who had performed well in the opportunities he received, was widely expected to take on the crucial number 4 spot in India’s middle order. Even then-captain Virat Kohli had backed Rayudu for the role. However, the selectors opted for Vijay Shankar, whom they referred to as a “3-Dimensional Player.”
The decision proved to be detrimental for India in the semifinal match against New Zealand, where the team’s top-order collapsed, and the untested middle order failed to stabilize the innings, leading to a heartbreaking defeat. Rayudu revealed that he was shocked to learn that he hadn’t made it to the World Cup squad, especially since he was considered a prime contender for the number 4 position in English conditions.
“I was on a flight when the 2019 ODI World Cup squad was announced. Then IPL happened. I was very disappointed when I saw the news right after landing the flight. There were already indications that I will not be included in the team. I was a bit surprised to get an all-rounder that took my place,” said Ambati Rayudu in an interview with TV9 News Telugu.
ALSO READ: Aakash Chopra Calls For India-Pakistan Clash In ICC Events, Highlights WTC Flaws
Rayudu questioned the logic behind replacing him, a specialist batsman, with an all-rounder like Vijay Shankar when the team clearly needed a number 4 in the lineup.
“Going to play the ODI World Cup? Or selected a team to play a league match? It seemed they prepared me to bat at number four. If they would have picked someone like Rahane or any similar ilk of a player or someone who is experienced and senior, it would have been understandable. But choosing an all-rounder without any proper knowledge infuriates me,” he added.
After being left out of the World Cup squad, Rayudu took a subtle dig at the selection committee through a tweet, saying, “Just Ordered a new set of 3d glasses to watch the world cup.”
Rayudu clarified that his tweet was not aimed at Vijay Shankar but rather a satirical comment on the selection process. He also emphasized that he had nothing against Shankar, as he understood that he, like every other player, was just waiting for his opportunity.
“I tweeted that I would watch the game in 3D glasses. Everyone trolled Vijay Shankar. But I didn’t tweet against him or MSK. I blasted satires on the manner of Team India selection. People could not understand this and cursed Vijay Shankar. Of course, there is nothing wrong with him. Just a player waiting for an opportunity like everyone else,” Ambati Rayudu clarified.
ALSO READ: Legendary Andy Roberts Criticizes India’s Performance And Arrogance In ICC Knockouts
Rayudu further mentioned that only the former chairman of the selection committee, MSK Prasad, could provide an answer as to why he was excluded from the World Cup squad despite performing well at the number 4 position for India.
“I did brilliantly at No. 4 on the tour of New Zealand before the ODI World Cup. I believed that I could excel in England under similar conditions. But I was surprised that the selectors chose an all-rounder instead of replacing the number four when they left me out. Only MSK Prasad should tell the reason behind this decision,” he concluded.
