The Stylish batsman from the Southern Part of India, Ambati Rayudu has called curtains on his career. It was a surprise decision from the right-handed batsman, as he got the age on his side. Meanwhile, the former Indian opening batsman Gautam Gambhir lashes out at the selectors.
Rayudu was not included in India’s original 15-member squad for the World Cup 2019. The all-rounder Vijay Shankar was preferred over him. Chief selector MSK Prasad had stated that Shankar’s 3-dimensional qualities made them pick him over Rayudu, who wasn’t too happy with the decision.
But then the injuries to opener Shikhar Dhawan and Shankar left the door open for the selectors to pick Rayudu as a possible replacement. Rayudu was even in the standbys list along with Rishabh Pant for the World Cup.
The BCCI selectors, however, decided to send Rishabh Pant as a replacement for Dhawan (thumb fracture). And, Mayank Agarwal for Shankar, who injured his toe during practice. These could have been the reasons behind Rayudu’s immediate retirement, even though the cricketer himself hasn’t stated any reasons for the decision yet.
Ambati Rayudu retirement is because of Selectors – Gautam Gambhir
Speaking of the same, Gautam Gambhir quoted that he is sad to see Ambati Rayudu calling curtains on his International Career. He feels that it is a sad day for Indian cricket, as Rayudu would have easily fit in the team, which is playing the grand event in England.
“According to me, the selectors have been a complete disappointment this World Cup. Rayudu’s retirement decision is because of them. Their decision-making skills are to be blamed for this,” Star Sports expert Gambhir said on Cricket Live.
“A cricketer like him that has played so well in the IPL and for the nation. Scored three 100’s and ten 50’s. And also, despite that if a player has to retire – it is a sad moment for Indian cricket,” Gambhir added further.
Five selectors combine wouldn’t have scored what Rayudu scored:
Further, Gautam Gambhir went on to thrash selectors for the poor treatment to Ambati Rayudu. He quoted that any player in the shoes of Ambati Rayudu would have been disappointed.
“Five selectors combined would not have made the runs Rayudu has in his career. I feel extremely sad about this retirement. Rishabh Pant and Mayank Agarwal got selected amidst the World Cup injuries. And anyone in Rayudu’s place would have felt equally bad,” said Gambhir, who is now a BJP MP.
So far, Ambati Rayudu has played 55 ODIs for India, scoring 1694 runs at an average of 47.05 with three centuries and 10 half-centuries. He also featured in six T20 internationals and made 42 runs in them.