In a stunning revelation, Ambati Rayudu, the former Indian cricketer, finally addresses the long-standing controversy surrounding his omission from the 2019 ODI World Cup squad. Rayudu, known for his elegant batting, clarified that his disappointment was not aimed at Vijay Shankar, the player who ultimately secured the spot he coveted. Instead, Rayudu questioned the perplexing selection logic that overlooked specialist middle-order batsmen like Ajinkya Rahane in favor of Shankar, who typically batted at lower positions.
Rayudu questions the decision-makers
During an exclusive interview with TV9 Telugu, Rayudu expressed his frustration, stating that he would have understood the decision had someone like Ajinkya Rahane , an experienced and senior player, been chosen instead. Rayudu emphasized that his concerns stemmed from the desire for India’s success, believing that the replacement player should have been advantageous to the team’s performance.
While he maintains that his discontent was not personal towards Shankar or MSK Prasad, a former selection committee member, Rayudu admitted to being perplexed by the decision-making process. Reflecting on his cricketing journey, Rayudu suggested that external influences and past incidents may have influenced how he was perceived, leading to a recurring cycle of adversity in his career.
Rayudu on the 3-D Glasses tweet
Addressing his infamous ‘3D glasses’ tweet, Rayudu clarified that his intention was never to target Shankar but to express his bewilderment at the decision-makers’ thinking and logic. Drawing attention to his own preparation and experience in New Zealand before the World Cup, Rayudu called for answers from those responsible for the controversial selection.
“Everyone went after Vijay Shankar. I did not have that intention. I could not understand their thinking and logic. If you have decided to replace me, you could have picked a similar player. How can you pick a player who plays numbers 6 and 7 and put him at 4? I don’t have anything personal against Vijay Shankar and MSK Prasad. I have played in New Zealand before the World Cup in similar conditions. I have been preparing well. Only those people can answer what went on.”, Rayudu said in his interview.
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