"All-rounder without knowledge..": Ambati Rayudu takes dig at selectors for WC 2019 snub

Ambati Rayudu was replaced by Vijay Shankar in India's 2019 World Cup squad.

Ambati Rayudu, who recently retired from all cricket after the IPL 2023, took an indirect dig at former BCCI selector MSK Prasad while talking about his snub from the Indian team for the World Cup 2019, which he was supposed to play, but was not picked at the last moment.

Before the World Cup, Ambati Rayudu was ready for the number 4 place in India's ODI squad after performing admirably in his few opportunities. After Yuvraj Singh and Suresh Raina, the Men in Blue were having trouble finding a reliable number 4 in the middle order.

Ambati Rayudu received support from then-captain Virat Kohli for an important position in the team. However, Vijay Shankar was chosen by the selectors, who referred to him as the "3 Dimensional Player," and Rayudu was not included in the squad for the 2019 World Cup.

The choice backfired for India in their semifinal encounter against New Zealand, as their batting suffered a major collapse at the top and their inexperienced middle order was unable to calm the situation down as they ultimately lost heartbreakingly.

There were already indications that I will not be included in the team: Ambati Rayudu

Rayudu scored 639 runs at an average of 42.60 from January 1, 2018, to the last match he played before the 2019 World Cup.

“I was on a flight when the 2019 ODI World Cup squad was announced. Then IPL happens. I was very disappointed when I saw the news right after landing the flight. There were already indications that I will not be included in the team. I was a bit surprised to get an all-rounder that took my place," said Rayudu to TV9 News Telugu.

“Going to play the ODI World Cup? Or select a team to play a league match? It seemed they prepared me to bat at number four. If they would have picked someone like Rahane or any similar ilk of a player or someone who is experienced and senior it would have been understandable. But choosing an all-rounder without any proper knowledge infuriates me," he added.

Rayudu clarified his controversial “3D” remark and said he has nothing against Vijay Shankar because the latter was simply waiting for his chance, which came at the World Cup.

“I tweeted that I would watch the game in 3D glasses. Everyone trolled Vijay Shankar. But I didn’t tweet against him or MSK. I blasted satires on the manner of Team India's selection. People could not understand this and cursed Vijay Shankar. Of course, there is nothing wrong with him. Just a player waiting for an opportunity like everyone else," Rayudu added.

Rayudu never played for India after that and recently retired from all cricket after CSK won the IPL 2023.