A few months back Amabati Rayudu was considered to be the defacto number 4 batsman for the Indian team. He was almost sure to play the world cup 2019 at this position. However, as it turned out, he was to retire during the current world cup when the Indian team has entered the semifinals of the most coveted cup for any cricketing team.
The senior batsman has already informed the BCCI about his decision to retire from all forms of cricket. The decision came after he was not considered for replacement even after the injuries to batsmen like Shikhar Dhawan and the selectors choice to play at number 4 position this world cup, Vijay Shankar.
Rayudu might have been hoping for a lucky chance to play for India in the world cup after Shankar was ruled out after an injury. But selectors instead chose Mayank Agarwal to fly to England and join the team.
Did the tweet that Rayudu sent after Vijay Shankar’s selection was his undoing?
The selectors after preferring Vijay Shankar justified the decision by arguing that Vijay Shankar is a three-dimensional player (3D). Suggesting about his all-rounder role where he can bat, bowl and field well.
Rayudu made a satirical comment about the selection by stating that he just ordered a new set of 3d glasses to watch the world cup. The 3d wold appeared to be used to mock selectors argument
Ambati Rayudu’s recent performances were not very convincing
It is true that Rayudu was called India’s first-choice No 4 by captain Virat Kohli a few months ago, everything was going well for him, but low scores in the home series against Australia in the home series forced the selectors to rethink.
His below average performance in the IPL 2019 did not help either. It was his steller performance in the IPL 2018 that led to his and KL Rahul’s reconsierdation in the team.
Many ex-players like Gautam Gambhir were not very happy with the decision though. Gambhir on record has said that “I think there should be no debate about Pant’s exclusion but more about Rayudu.”
Ambati Rayudu has a very good record in one day international where he averages more than 48 in white ball cricket. Perhaps some bad timings and sheer luck did not allow him to play more.
