Former Indian cricketer VVS Laxman was surprised over exclusion of Ambati Rayudu from World Cup 2019 squad. While talking to Hindustan Times, Laxman said that he was surprised when selectors did not pick Rayudu even after he performed well. “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”, he said.
The Hyderabad cricketer also mentioned that he can relate with Rayudu as he too was left out from selection in 2003 World Cup squad. “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”, he further said.
Talking about Vijay Shankar, who was selected over Rayudu, Laxman said, “He is very good, a talented player. He has got an opportunity in the World Cup and it is important he grabs it. He is very hard working.”
The 15-member World Cup 2019 squad of India comprises of Virat Kohli (c), Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, KL Rahul, Vijay Shankar, MS Dhoni (wk), Kedar Jadhav, Dinesh Karthik (wk), Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami. World Cup 2019 is going to start in England from May 30, 2019.