The Debate Over Ambati Rayudu's Omission from the World Cup Squad

The decision to omit Ambati Rayudu from India's World Cup squad for WC2019 was a subject of much debate among cricket enthusiasts and analysts. Many questioned the fairness of the selection process and the reasons behind Rayudu's exclusion.

Rayudu's Inclusion as a Contender

Rayudu was initially a strong contender for the number 4 position in the squad. He had performed admirably in a couple of matches against New Zealand, showing good bat skills that suggested his worth to the team. However, his performance against Australia suffered in a series of three games, resulting in his exclusion from the World Cup team. This decision was not based on personal bias but rather on his recent form and consistency in international matches.

The Criticism of the Selection Process

Some argue that the selection process was unfair, citing the inclusion of Vijay Shankar, who was not selected even for more than two games. This echoes the 2015 World Cup situation, where Stuart Binny was included despite his doubts, which led to an imbalance in the team composition.

The notion that the Indian thinking pattern has become traditional in favoring fast bowlers as all-rounders, even when their performance is questionable, has also been highlighted. This tradition is evident in the selection of both Stuart Binny and Vijay Shankar.

Rayudu's Consistency and Potential

Ambati Rayudu showed potential as a solid candidate at the number 4 position. He could have made a significant impact in critical matches, particularly against England in the group stage and against New Zealand in the semi-final. Despite his technical limitations, Rayudu demonstrated a knack for batting under pressure.

From 2018 onwards, Rayudu played in the Asia Cup and all subsequent series. He performed well at home against West Indies, scoring 227, 32, and 210. His tour to Australia saw him scoring 0 and 24 in the first two ODIs, and he didn't play the third ODI. During the tour to New Zealand, he scored 13 and 47, which was considered a good performance. However, his form dipped during Australia's tour to India, where he scored 131 and 82, and did not participate in the remaining matches. His performance continued to deteriorate during the IPL, where his form worsened significantly.

While acknowledging that management bears the responsibility for the selection process, it is important to recognize that Rayudu himself has contributed to his current situation. His inconsistency in form, especially in crucial matches, does not justify his inclusion in the main squad. He needed to perform consistently in the 3-4 matches to demand a spot in the squad.

Conclusion

Vijay Shankar's form was not much better than Rayudu's, making his selection equally questionable. It is clear that Ambati Rayudu needs to improve his performance and consistency to be considered for international matches. The debate around his inclusion highlights the need for a more stringent evaluation of cricket players based on their recent performances.