Ambati Rayudu Opens Up About 2019 World Cup Snub: “Choosing an All-Rounder Without Any Proper Knowledge Infuriates Me”
Ambati Rayudu, a seasoned Indian batter, talked out about his exclusion from the 2019 ODI World Cup, which shocked not only him but also many cricket fans and critics. Before the World Cup, Rayudu was ready for the number 4 place in India’s ODI team after performing well in his few opportunities. After Yuvraj Singh and Suresh Raina, the Men in Blue were having trouble finding a reliable number 4 in the middle order, and Virat Kohli, the team’s then-captain, had endorsed Rayudu for the vital position. However, Vijay Shankar was chosen by the selectors, who referred to him as the “3 Dimensional Player,” and Rayudu was not included in the squad for the 2019 World Cup.
The choice backfired for India in their semifinal encounter against New Zealand, as their batting suffered a major collapse at the top and their inexperienced middle order was unable to calm the situation down as they ultimately lost heartbreakingly.
Rayudu scored 639 runs between January 1, 2018, and the last game he played before the 2019 World Cup, scoring them at a 42.60 average.
The former Indian hitter said that learning he wasn’t selected for the World Cup team came as a shock to him since, before to the IPL 2019, he was the top candidate to bat at number four for the Men in Blue in English conditions.
“When the 2019 ODI World Cup team was named, I was traveling. IPL then takes place. As soon as the plane touched down, I saw the news, and I was really unhappy. There have already been hints that I won’t be working with the team. My replacement, an all-arounder, caught me off guard, Rayudu told TV9 News Telugu.
The 37-year-old argued that the squad required a number 4 in the starting lineup and that all-arounder Vijay Shankar should not have been substituted in his place.
“Are you going to the ODI World Cup? or choose a team to compete in a league game? They seemed to have ready me to bat at number four. It would have been reasonable if they had chosen a player with seniority and experience, such as Rahane or a player of a comparable caliber. But picking an all-arounder without the necessary information enrages me,” he said.
In the meanwhile, Rayudu poked fun at the selection committee after the WC rejection with the clever tweet, “Just Ordered a new set of 3d glasses to watch the world cup.”
Rayudu clarified his controversial remark and said he had nothing against Vijay Shankar since the latter was only waiting for his chance, which came at the World Cup.
“I posted that I would wear 3D glasses to watch the game. Everybody made fun of Vijay Shankar. Although I didn’t tweet in support of him or MSK. I sneered at satires about how Team India was chosen. People condemned Vijay Shankar for their inability to comprehend this. Of course, he is in perfect health. Like everyone else, I’m just a player waiting for my chance,” Rayudu said.
The 37-year-old said that only previous selection committee chairman MSK Prasad could explain why he was left from the World Cup team despite contributing runs for India at number 4.
“On the tour of New Zealand before to the ODI World Cup, I fared well at No. 4. I thought that in England, where there are such circumstances, I may succeed. But I was taken aback when the selectors left me out and went with the all-rounder rather than switching out the number four. The decision’s rationale should only be disclosed by MSK Prasad, he stressed.
