Ambati Rayudu, once considered a potential solution to India’s middle-order woes, faced a significant setback when he was overlooked for the 2019 Cricket World Cup. Despite multiple opportunities arising due to injuries, Rayudu remained on the sidelines, and after India’s semifinal exit, he decided to retire from international cricket. In a recent interview, Rayudu shed light on his World Cup snub and revealed his strained relationship with the former chief selector, MSK Prasad. Prasad, in response, clarified the selection process and addressed Rayudu’s allegations.
During a candid conversation with TV9 Telugu, Ambati Rayudu shared his disappointment regarding the 2019 World Cup exclusion. He disclosed that he didn’t share a good rapport with MSK Prasad, who was the chief selector at the time. Rayudu also mentioned a past incident from 2005 when he played under Prasad’s captaincy for Andhra Pradesh and expressed dissatisfaction with certain aspects of Prasad’s leadership.
MSK Prasad, a former India player and the chief selector during the 2019 World Cup, responded to Rayudu’s allegations. Speaking to timesnownews.com, Prasad emphasized that the selection process involves the collective decision of the five selectors and the captain. He clarified that no individual can make decisions independently and highlighted the importance of consensus in the committee. Prasad stated that any decision made by the selection committee is a collective effort, with proposals being put forth and acceptance being sought from other members.
In response to Rayudu’s claims about their differences during their time together in Andhra Pradesh, Prasad acknowledged that minor differences can arise within a team during a long cricketing season. He compared such differences to those that may occur even among siblings. However, he emphasized that these personal disagreements should not be carried over to the larger platform of Indian cricket team selection. Prasad highlighted Rayudu’s previous selection for international matches before the World Cup and questioned how differences could suddenly arise during the World Cup selections.
