Twitter Erupts as Selectors Reward In-form Ambati Rayudu With an ODI Spot

One of the biggest highlights of India’s recently-announced squad for the One-Day Internationals against England is the inclusion of Ambati Rayudu.

The senior batsman was not even in the frame for getting a recall before he took the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) by storm. The 32-year old has done exceedingly well despite being used as a floater.

Rayudu had started the season as the opener. He contributed 22 and 39 at the top against Mumbai Indians (MI) and Kolkata Knight Riders (MI) respectively, but an injury to Suresh Raina meant he had to move to the middle order to accommodate a fit-again Vijay.

Rayudu impressed again, scoring 49 against Kings XI Punjab (KXIP). However, once Raina returned, Rayudu returned to open again. And Rayudu has managed to impress more often than not.

Quick Read: IPL 2018: Faf du Plessis All Praises for Rayudu’s Flexibility

After 10 games, Rayudu is leading the run-scorers’ chart in the league. The right-handed batsman has so far scored 423 runs at an average of over 42 and strike-rate of over 151.

Rayudu’s last ODI appearance came way back in 2016 when India had toured Zimbabwe.

With the Indian team’s middle-order far from being settled, a good show in England can give Rayudu an extended run.

Moreover, with the World Cup scheduled in England in 2019, a good performance will all but seal his spot in the team. Surprisingly, selectors overlooked the prolific performer for Twenty 20 series against England and Ireland.

Meanwhile, Twitter was quick to react following the selection of Ambati Rayudu:

Here are some of the reactions:

A part of Ambati Rayudu must be shattered. He's not there in squads for both Ireland and England tours for T20Is. Thought he's been the best batsman this #IPL2018.

— Devarchit (@Devarchit) May 8, 2018

Seriously @BCCI what nonsense is this? Shreyas Iyer, Risabh Pant and Ambati Rayudu are better performing than Raina and Pandey.

Why can't same team selected for ODI can play for T20 as well. ????

— த்ரீ மிஸ் அவுட் /Teen Miss Out (@3missout) May 8, 2018

Ambati Rayudu makes a comeback to ODI squad for the England tour. What a story this has been and the best 2 months of his career hitting the purple patch at the right time #IndiaSquad #ENGvIND

— Sriram (@SriramARR) May 8, 2018

Finally ambati Rayudu back in the Indian team a well deserved player who is always left out . Who always scores runs even after a hundred against England was not in the ODI team last year this guy is simply amazing #indainplayer #welldeserved #ambatiRayudu

— Ammaarayub (@ammaarayub10) May 8, 2018

Ambati Rayudu was playing well in Ipl and he was not included in T20 squad , Selectors, What kind os Selection is this ? @cricbuzz

— S Akash (@Skysreesan) May 8, 2018

https://twitter.com/whatdidya/status/993846102003773440

Really surprised not to see Ambati Rayudu in India's T20I squad.

I think he had a case to get in over Manish Pandey, surely?#TeamIndia #Cricket #ENGvIND

— CricBlog ✍ (@cric_blog) May 8, 2018