Ambati Rayudu disappointed over World Cup neglect, says their idea of number 4 changed

Mumbai: Ambati Rayudu’s last tweet five months ago generated a lot of impact on social media. The impactful tweet still follows him wherever he goes. And now that he has decided to withdraw his decision to retire from international cricket, the topic rages like a wildfire.

Rayudu, who is apparently not an ardent fan of social media, took to Twitter after hearing the news of his exclusion from the World Cup 2019 squad. He wrote, “Just ordered a pair of 3D glasses to watch World Cup.” The aforesaid tweet was made in regards to Vijay Shankar given preference over Rayudu, due to the former’s ‘three-dimensional’ abilities.

Speaking about his tweet for the first time and asked whether or not he regrets writing that tweet, Rayudu told Cricbuzz that he doesn’t regret it. Explaining that his tweet was not a reason for being ignored, he said, “If it comes down to such things...I don’t know how to put it, but I don’t think that would’ve played any part. And if it did, I can’t imagine what cricketers must be going through honestly.”

He added, “As for social media, it has never been my go-to; it hasn’t ever interested me. I’ve always felt that I’m very happy about being simple and natural. I can’t speak for anyone else but for me, that fame or being in front of the media has never interested me. My love for the sport and what I enjoy doing on the ground is what drives me to play the sport. All the frills and glamour that comes with it don’t interest me.”

Ambati Rayudu and Rishabh Pant were named as the two official standbys for India’s World Cup in case of any injuries, but only Rishabh Pant was drafted in place of Shikhar Dhawan. And when Vijay Shankar was injured then instead of Rayudu, Mayank Agarwal was flown to England.

Speaking on his exclusion from the squad, Rayudu said, “I was very disappointed. I mean, anyone would be because I had worked so hard for it. I was very prepared for that specific role at No. 4, but maybe their idea of No. 4 might have changed all of a sudden. Maybe they just wanted something else...I’m not too sure.”

“It was very disappointing, but I’m sure they must have had some combinations or plans in mind. I was actually very, very prepared for playing the World Cup, to be honest.”

Speaking on his form before the World Cup, Rayudu added, “I had actually played quite well (leading into the World Cup). You can’t play well in every match. It’s not possible. It’s just that...I was batting well throughout that phase. I don’t know... I just feel unfortunate to have missed out.”