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

Published - 08 May 2018, 10:59 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:40 AM

Ambati Rayudu
(Credits: BCCI)

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.

Credits: AFP

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

Here are some of the reactions:

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

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