ICC World Cup 2019: VVS Laxman Extends Support to Ambati Rayudu After World Cup Snub

It has been two weeks, the Indian National Cricket team have announced their 15-member preliminary squad for the upcoming ICC World Cup 2019. The omission of Ambati Rayudu from the team has created a stir in the country, and it looks like never-ending. And now, former cricketer VVS Laxman has extended his support to veteran batsman saying that he had done everything to be in the plane to England.

Meanwhile, the selection panel headed by MSK Prasad preferred Vijay Shankar over Ambati Rayudu. Explaining their decision, Prasad said that Shankar’s ability to contribute in all the department earned him the place. He also added that they had nothing against Ambati Rayudu, but there were few things which went in favour of the ‘three-dimensional’ cricketer. Shankar has impressed batting at the top-order and is also having decent IPL with the Sunrisers Hyderabad. The selection committee along with skipper Virat Kohli backed Shankar going by the conditions in Bangalore.

Rayudu’s exclusion was disappointing

However, VVS Laxman feels it is very frustrating for Ambati Rayudu. The cricketer, who is currently working with the Sunrisers Hyderabad now believes Rayudu did everything to be on the plane to England. Laxman also cited an example from his career when he didn’t make it to the 2003 World Cup squad despite performing consistently. But, the stylish batsman also mentioned it is crucial to make a strong comeback and is hopeful that Ambati Rayudu will do that.

“It will be very disappointing for Rayudu because I felt he had done everything possible to be in that squad. Since the West Indies series (Oct 2018), where he was asked to bat at No 4, he has consistently performed in that position.

He was the highest run-getter in the series, so I was a little surprised they didn’t go with the experience of Rayudu even after performing. It will be very, very painful. I have experienced that in 2003. But as an international sportsperson, it is important to bounce back strongly, and I hope Rayudu does that,” VVS Laxman said to Hindustan Times.

Meanwhile, Ambati Rayudu is currently having a very average time with the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL. So far, he has only scored 213 runs from 12 matches with only one half-century. With only a few games left, Rayudu will look to score some runs and be in the excellent book of the selectors.