In a candid revelation, Ambati Rayudu, the seasoned cricketer who recently bid farewell to all forms of the game after Chennai Super Kings’ victory against Gujarat Titans in the IPL final, shed light on the controversial decision that led to his international retirement in 2019. Rayudu expressed his disappointment and frustration at being intentionally ignored by the former selection committee for the prestigious 2019 World Cup.
While Rayudu has enjoyed a successful IPL career, his international journey has been marred by setbacks, particularly the exclusion from the World Cup squad despite being in excellent form. The 37-year-old’s standout performance in the IPL final against GT, where he played a blistering innings of 19 runs off just 8 balls, further showcased his prowess. With this innings, he etched his name as one of the most accomplished players in the history of the cash-rich league.
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However, the MSK Prasad-led selection committee opted to prioritize Vijay Shankar over Rayudu, believing that the Indian team required a “3D” player who could excel in overseas conditions. This decision left Rayudu disheartened and puzzled, questioning the committee’s judgment.
In recent revelations, Rayudu unveiled that his exclusion from the World Cup squad was a result of personal issues with certain members of the selection committee. He believes that these differences influenced their decision to intentionally overlook him for the crucial fifty-over tournament.
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“There were a few members of the selection committee I had issues with during the early years of my career, which is why they ignored me for the 2019 World Cup,” Rayudu disclosed. Throughout his international career, Rayudu represented India in a total of 61 matches across formats, amassing 1736 runs, including three centuries and ten half-centuries.
Rayudu’s revelation sheds light on the complexities and dynamics that exist within selection committees and the impact they can have on players’ careers. As he bids farewell to professional cricket, he leaves behind a legacy of resilience and determination, with his journey serving as a reminder of the challenges faced by athletes in their quest for recognition and success on the international stage.