Anil Kumble, former India coach and bowling legend, has criticized the decision to exclude Ambati Rayudu from India’s squad for the 2019 World Cup, labeling it a “huge blunder.” Rayudu had performed well in the lead-up to the tournament, scoring 639 runs in 21 ODIs and being considered the solution to India’s No. 4 batting woes.
Kumble expressed his belief that it was a major miss on the part of captain Virat Kohli and coach Ravi Shastri to omit Rayudu at the last minute, especially after grooming him for that specific role for six months. The former coach made these remarks during a rain-delayed IPL 2023 final, while discussing the World Cup omission on Jio Cinema.
Following his exclusion, Rayudu reacted with frustration, posting a controversial tweet that read, “Just ordered a new set of 3D glasses to watch the World Cup.” This tweet was in response to former chief selector MSK Prasad’s comment referring to Vijay Shankar as a “3D player.” Rayudu briefly announced his retirement during the World Cup campaign, only to retract it later.
Unfortunately, Rayudu’s international career ended abruptly and mysteriously after the World Cup snub. He never represented India again, leaving behind a lingering controversy and raising questions about the selection process. The decision to drop Rayudu had significant repercussions and remains a topic of debate in Indian cricket.
