Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar wished Ambati Rayudu all the best for his "2nd innings" after the middle-order batsman announced his retirement from all forms of cricket, including the IPL after being ignored by national selectors.

"Thank you for all your contribution to Indian Cricket, Ambati. Have fond memories of spending time with you during your stint at @mipaltan. Wishing you all the best for your 2nd innings," the Master Blaster wrote on his Twitter handle. 

Thank you for all your contribution to Indian Cricket, Ambati. Have fond memories of spending time with you during your stint at @mipaltan. Wishing you all the best for your 2nd innings. pic.twitter.com/3ueULd6xPu

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) July 4, 2019

Rayudu was chosen by Mumbai Indians (MI) in 2010 where he scored 356 runs in his first season. He was later purchased by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in 2018.

His retirement decision came after he was snubbed twice for the ongoing World Cup. He did not specify his reasons for calling it quits. Selectors chose Mayank Agarwal from outside the standbys list for the World Cup to replace an injured Vijay Shankar.

Rayudu - who was always India's No. 4 spot batsman - was initially dropped from the World Cup squad and Shankar was taken instead. The team management called Shankar a 'three-dimensional' player.

"We did give a few more chances to Rayudu but Vijay Shankar gives three dimensions. He can bat if the conditions are overcast, he can bowl, plus he is a fielder. We are looking at Vijay Shankar as a No. 4," chief selector MSK Prasad said, justifying his selection.

Rayudu played 55 ODIs for India, scoring 1694 runs at an average of 47.05. The player was in the spotlight before the World Cup and was declared the preferred No.4 batsman by Kohli not many months ago, Rayudu was ignored for Shankar in India's final squad for the big event.