Middle-order batsman Ambati Rayudu’s last tweet came about five months back. Not very active on social media, Rayudu had taken to Twitter to let off steam after the 2019 World Cup snub.
“Just ordered a new set of 3D glasses to watch the World Cup,” he tweeted after all-rounder Vijay Shankar was picked for the tournament because of his ‘three-dimensional’ abilities.
Just Ordered a new set of 3d glasses to watch the world cup 😉😋..
— ATR (@RayuduAmbati) April 16, 2019
But soon, Shankar lost his place in the team after an ordinary World Cup campaign.
Speaking up for the first time since his 3D glasses tweet created headlines, Ambati Rayudu said he had absolutely no regrets.
“Not at all,” Rayudu told Cricbuzz. He also explained in detail that his tweet was not the reason behind ignoring him.
“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.”
Earlier, the MSK-Prasad selection panel had named the right-hander as one of the official standbys.
“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 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.”
Along with him, Rishabh Pant was also named as a standby for India’s World Cup squad. Pant made it when Shikhar Dhawan had to be ruled out due to a thumb injury. But when Vijay Shankar suffered a toe injury, Mayank Agarwal got an opportunity, instead of Rayudu. That hurt him deeply.
“I was very disappointed,” the 33-year-old said. “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.”
Rayudu had been the preferred choice for India’s No. 4 spot before the World Cup. But the Andhra batsman went through a lean patch in the New Zealand away series and the Australia home series. He didn’t have a great IPL either.
“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,” the Chennai Super Kings player signed off.
Recently, Ambati Rayudu made a 360-degree turn on his retirement from international cricket.
