Former Cricketers Not Happy With Ambati Rayudu’s Brawl In Hyderabad
Sep 2, 2017 at 3:10 PM
It is not the first time that Team India batsman Amabati Rayudu has been involved in an altercation as the Mumbai Indians reliable middle order batsman has this uncanny habit of getting into trouble with his actions off the field. But this time the brawl hasn’t happened on the cricket field but the Hyderabad Road near the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.
A video which was shared by the ANI saw Rayudu quarreling with a senior citizen and even trying to punch him. The Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) has downplayed the incident by calling it as a personal matter. The issue has been closed, and I had a talk with Rayudu,’’ T Shesh Narayan, secretary of HCA said on Friday.
However, following the incident, players close to Rayudu said that the Hyderabad captain shouldn’t be blamed for the occurrence, but it has been painted wrongly. “He only asked the pedestrians to move aside as he had to rush to the stadium for the Moin-ud-Dowla final between Hyderabad and Air-India, but it has been painted wrongly,’’ said an HCA official.
Given his record of getting into controversies and altercations, the former cricketers feel that Rayudu should conduct himself well outside the field and set an example for the young budding cricketers.
“He is an Indian international. He should not behave in the manner which is not good for the game or his stature. Cricket is a gentleman’s game and he is supposed to be an ambassador of the game. He is also the captain of the Hyderabad team. It is sad.’’
Rayudu has an impressive ODI record so far, but it is his style of play which hasn’t allowed him to cement his place in the team permanently. Talent is not an issue with Rayudu, but unlike former Hyderabadi batsman like VVS Laxman who was one of the greatest gentlemen of the game, Rayudu is a total contrast.
“No doubt he is talented but his temperament is unbecoming. It is in marked contrast to other Hyderabadi cricketers. The gentleman behaviour of someone like VVS Laxman, who has often been referred as a gentleman and a cricketer was the last one who should be worthy of emulation.’’
“Controlling his emotions would do him a world of good. He should lead by example instead of sending wrong signals,’’ many senior cricketers said.