Ambati Rayudu opens up on controversial 2019 World Cup snub

Former Indian cricketer Ambati Rayudu, who called time on his professional cricketing career after the conclusion of IPL 2023, shed light on his selection controversy during the 2019 World Cup. Rayudu, who was snubbed in favour of all-rounder Vijay Shankar, created a stir after putting out a controversial tweet.

In a latest interview with TV9 Telgu, Rayudu gave the possible reason behind his non-section for the marquee event in 2019. The 37-year-old cricketer from Andhra Pradesh revealed that he had some issues with one of the members of the selection committee, which led to his omission from the 2019 World Cup squad.

Although the former Chennai Super Kings’ player did not reveal any names, he stated that the issue took place during the early stages of his playing career, which possibly hindered his chances of getting into the 2019 World Cup squad.

“I had some issues with the member of the selection committee when I was playing with them in the early stages of my career, which might be one of the reasons why I was out of the team in World Cup 2019,” Rayudu told TV9 Telugu.

For the uninitiated, Rayudu was one of the favourites for the no.4 place in the ODI team ahead of the World Cup in England. However, he was left out of the squad with the selectors opting for all-rounder Vijay Shankar. Following his snub, Rayudu vented his frustration by putting a ‘3D’ tweet, taking a jibe at the selector’s remark on Shankar being a three-dimensional player.