Plain bad luck or real raw deal? Rayudu’s exclusion from World Cup squad leaves cricket lovers divided

Ambati Rayudu’s omission from India’s World Cup squad has divided the cricketing fraternity in India right down the middle. The 32-year-old, who was ignored in favour of all-rounder Vijay Shankar, created a frenzy by tweeting that he plans to buy 3D glasses to watch the showpiece which begins May 30 in the UK. Rayudu’s tweet, which came a day after chairman of selectors, MSK Prasad cited Shankar’s “three-dimensional qualities” to justify his selection has got more than 76,000 likes and 12,000 retweets. So all eyes were on the Hyderabadi batsman as he landed in the city as part of Team Chennai to clash with Team Hyderabad on Wednesday.
Thankfully for Rayudu, the BCCI brass has decided to take his sarcastic tweet with a pinch of salt, since it wasn’t a direct criticism of the selection policy. “Let’s accept that emotions are running high at this moment. There is bound to be disappointment and there needs to be an outlet of expression as long as it’s not out of line. He will need some time to soak in the disappointment and it’s understandable. There is no need for sanctions. Also, he is one of our standbys. If any injury happens there is every chance he would go,” a senior BCCI official said. However, the debate around Rayudu’s exclusion rages on.

WITH THE FOURTH HIGHEST BATTING AVERAGE, Did rayudu deserve a better chance? EXPERTS AND COLLEAGUES WEIGH IN

Rayudu’s exclusion from the Indian squad for the 2019 World Cup shouldn’t be a subject of fairness debate because I believe every player who secured a place in the 15-member team deserves to be there. Rayudu isn’t performing well for the last couple of months and his form has been inconsistent. So, I feel it was his waning form that took away the No 4 slot from him. See, India has a formidable bench strength and the competition is very stiff for a place in the playing 11. For instance, Ajinkya Rahane, who performed considerably well in the last World Cup too couldn’t make the cut this time. If I am to address Rayudu’s exclusion issue in one word, I would say he has been ‘unlucky’.
— Arshad Ayub, former Indian cricketer

I think there should be no debate about Rishabh Pant's exclusion, but more about Ambati Rayudu. It is very, very unfortunate that someone averaging 48 in white-ball

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and is only 33 has been left out. That for me is more heartbreaking than any other selection decision. I feel sorry for him as I was in a similar position in 2007, when they (erstwhile selectors) didn’t pick me and I know how difficult it is not being picked for the World Cup. Ultimately for any young kid, it is a childhood dream to be a part of the big event. So, I feel sorrier for Rayudu more than any other cricketer who hasn’t been picked.
— Gautam Gambir, former Indian cricketer

Ambati Rayudu must be shattered. His place was deemed certain and he had even quit 4 day cricket to focus on this. But form is such a cruel mistress. The harder he tried the more he seemed to struggle. My heart goes out to him.
—Harsha Bhogle, cricket commentator

I’m very disappointed with Ambati Rayudu’s exclusion from the Indian squad for World Cup because since the series against West Indies in November 2018, he has consistently performed well. He also showed great class against the Kiwis in New Zealand where the conditions are very similar to England where the World Cup would be held in June. He was highest run-getter against the Black Caps and scored a sublime 90 in challenging conditions when the team was struggling.
— VVS Laxman, former Indian cricketer in a TV interview

I have known Rayudu since childhood. We have played together in the same academy, so personally, as a friend, my heart goes out to him. Having said that, I think Rayudu shouldn’t lose hope as this team is provisional and ICC allows teams to make changes to their squads until May 23. So,there is still time and anything can happen. For instance, someone may get injured (although I don’t want that to happen) and get dropped at the last minute. Rayudu is a magnificent player and he shouldn’t give up.
— Pragyan Ojha, Indian cricketer

I have played IPL matches with Rayudu for Team Mumbai and he has been an absolute match winner on his own terms. I would definitely want to see him play the World Cup. I feel there are still chances of him making to the Indian squad if he improves his performance in the IPL. In terms of form, a cricketer’s career is very uncertain. You never know what will happen and when. I just hope he doesn’t lose hope and keeps playing good cricket. —T Suman, cricketer