Ambati Rayudu Left Out of India A, Duleep Trophy Squads after Skipping Yo-Yo Test

The BCCI, on Monday (July 23), announced as many as six different squads for the domestic tournament and ‘A’ series. But surprisingly, the name of a certain Ambati Rayudu was missing from all of them. The latest snub comes on the heel of Rayudu hogging all the limelight for his stunning form.

He played an integral role in Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) title-winning run this year. In fact, Ambati Rayudu had the best IPL with the bat, as he amassed 602 runs at a strike rate of 149.75 including one century.

The form earned him a deserved call for the recently-concluded ODI series against England.

However, he got dropped from the squad after failing to clear the mandatory yo-yo test. It shattered his dreams of returning to the team after a two-year absence.

Rayudu’s last ODI appearance had come in 2016 during the tour of Zimbabwe. So far, he has played 34 ODIs and six Twenty20 Internationals for the Men in Blue.

And Rayudu is now looking set to remain out of contention for selection in the national teams. The reason behind the same is his failure to appear for the yo-yo test since failing it, according to Mumbai Mirror.

As a result, he did not find a place in India A and India B squads for quadrangular series, India Blue, Red, and Green teams for the Duleep Trophy and India A team for the two four-day games against South Africa A.

The news outlet further claimed BCCI sources have revealed the management had instructed the selectors not to pick those who have not been up to the fitness standards.

As a result, Rayudu faced the axe again. The 32-year old had six weeks to come back into the reckoning. However, he has asked for more time. Ambati Rayudu had gone to England with the junior Chennai Super Kings squad. In case he clears it, he is likely to make it to the Indian team for the Asia Cup in September.

Recently, India batting coach, Sanjay Bangar had said Rayudu could be considered for selection if he passes the fitness test.

“We will see the players available, their fitness. As you mentioned, Rayudu. Rayudu is someone who can bat really well in the middle-order. But unfortunately, he could not clear the fitness test. But I am pretty sure, if he passes the fitness test, he could also be a candidate. A lot of spots are open,” Bangar said during the ODI series in England.