Social media can be brutal in its analysis. India’s middle-order batsman Ambati Rayudu has had two quiet innings in the ongoing five-match series against Australia. However, the right-hander had to face the backlash of the fans after he failed to hit the ground running. Rayudu could only get 18 runs in the second ODI at Nagpur and played a poor shot to get out to Nathan Lyon.
The ball had pitched on the leg-side but Rayudu was looking to guide the ball towards the off-side. Consequently, he was plumbed in front by the Australian spinner. Furthermore, Rayudu could only score 13 in the opening match of the series at Hyderabad. Thus, Rayudu has had two mundane knocks and he would like to turn the tables in the remaining three matches of the series.
Rayudu also could not get going in Syed Mushtaq Trophy.
Meanwhile, Ambati Rayudu had scored a gutsy knock of 91 runs in the fifth and final ODI against New Zealand. India had their backs against the wall as they had lost four wickets for 18 runs. However, Rayudu was able to bail the Indian team out of the trouble.
In fact, Rayudu has grabbed his chances with both hands. He has performed consistently and has sealed the number four position for the World Cup team. However, he needs to carry on the good show to keep his place in the side.
On the other hand, India won the second ODI by eight runs after Virat Kohli and Vijay Shankar came up with a fine performance. Indian skipper Virat Kohli scored his 40th ODI hundred whereas Shankar played a key role with both bat and ball.
Shankar scored a 46 off just 41 balls and took two wickets in the final over. Jasprit Bumrah was at his best again as he scalped two wickets and conceded only 29 runs in his 10 overs.
Here is how Ambati Rayudu’s was trolled:
I was a big fan of Rayudu when he left to play in ICL and I’m glad he got back into @BCCI’s scheme of things but im@not comfortable with him being in the squad for 2019 WC. Certainly not in the playing XI. Hope, he proves me wrong
— Sachin Madaan (@sachin_madaan) March 5, 2019
Rayudu would be better in the Test side.
— Sridevi Rao Ph.D (@sitahyderabadi) March 5, 2019
@ESPNcricinfo @cricketnext Rayudu should be dropped as he is losing it and Vijay Shankar should be batting at no. 4 for India leading into the World Cup. Shikhar Dhawan I also now a ???? What about Prithvi Shaw at the top of the. Order?
— Ranjith Kumar Lall (@Ranjithlall) March 5, 2019
Shankar is a better proper batsman than Rayudu, DK, Kedar and Hardik
— Sam Roy (@SamRoy84) March 5, 2019
@BCCI …please remove rayudu for world cup ..in his place select shreyas ayyar or hanuma vihari..compared to rayudu, the other two batsmen technically good
— Nandana (@Nandana16273532) March 5, 2019
@StarSportsIndia Rayudu ki jagah mai vijay sankar ko bhi khila sakta hai
— Jaydeep Goari (@GoariJaydeep) March 5, 2019
Rayudu must be a relieved man! His failure today (again), will go unnoticed, because #Dhoni instead will get all the unfair criticism (again)#INDvAUS @RaviShastriOfc#MSDhoni #Rayudu
— Shivam Chowkidar (@itsShivam18) March 5, 2019
Rayudu’s performance has oscillated wildly and so has the narrative around India’s #4 since before the Asia Cup. Two innings ain’t enough to feel more convinced abt Shankar. Though the fact that he doesn’t start his batting with a deficit in the fielding dept is great for a start
— bhaatmaarna (@bhaatmaarna) March 5, 2019
In worst case KL Rahul is much better option in WC19 15 instead of Rayudu #INDvAUS
— prudhvirajk (@rajvinay77) March 5, 2019
I don't like Rayudu that much personally, but hw just scored a 90 2 odis back. People already calling for his axe? #INDvAUS
— Adharsh Bharadwaj (@cricadharsh) March 5, 2019
#AskStar Is Rayudu fit for the World Cup?
— Dinesh naik (@Dineshn16160326) March 5, 2019
Has Rayudu kissed his WC chances a goodbye ??
— Swetha Harini (@Swez_S) March 5, 2019
