Former Indian cricketer Ambati Rayudu has opened up about his disappointment and anger regarding his exclusion from the Indian squad for the 2019 World Cup. Rayudu expressed his frustration with the selectors’ decision to drop him in a controversial manner, stating that he was not replaced by a player who could contribute positively to the team.
Rayudu was in good form leading up to the 2019 World Cup, and it seemed likely that he would secure a spot in the Indian team for the prestigious tournament held in England. However, after a string of poor scores in the build-up, he was unexpectedly left out of the World Cup squad and replaced by Vijay Shankar.
During an interview with TV9 Telugu, Rayudu shared his thoughts on the painful snub, saying:
“If they had picked someone like Ajinkya Rahane or any similar experienced and senior player, it would have been understandable. Everyone wants India to win. They chose not to pick me for reasons only known to them. But when you replace me with someone, it should be someone who can contribute positively to the team. That’s where my frustration lies.”
Rayudu clarified that his frustration was not directed towards Vijay Shankar, as he believed Shankar was simply doing his best on the field. Rather, his anger stemmed from the lack of clarity surrounding the decision-making process. He questioned whether the selectors treated the World Cup like a normal league match, unable to comprehend the reasoning behind their choices.
The controversy surrounding Rayudu’s omission from the 2019 World Cup squad sparked intense debates among cricket enthusiasts and pundits alike. While the Indian team had a successful campaign in the tournament, reaching the semi-finals, Rayudu’s absence left a lingering question mark over the selectors’ decision-making process.
Despite the disappointment, Rayudu continued to contribute to the game, representing Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). However, he recently bid farewell to IPL cricket, marking the end of an era for the former CSK star.
Rayudu’s candid remarks shed light on the emotional impact of being left out of a major tournament like the World Cup. His experience serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in team selection and the challenges faced by players who aspire to represent their country at the highest level.