3 reasons why Ambati Rayudu would have been great addition in India’s 2019 World Cup squad

Former India cricketer Ambati Rayudu had an international that was filled with couldas, wouldas, and shouldas. He made his debut in 2013 and did well enough to make it to the 2015 ODI World Cup squad. However, ahead of the tournament, he lost his form in a tri-series in Australia which is why Rayudu warmed the bench during the tournament. 

After the tournament, he lost his place in the team but managed to make it back in 2018. Five years back, the right-hander had a dream IPL season with more than 600 runs. This led to his comeback in the national side for the Asia Cup six months later. The Hyderabad player did well in the tournament and the team won the final against Bangladesh.

However, a few months ahead of the World Cup, he retired from the Domestic cricket. Coincidentally, he started having indifferent returns but still was good enough to make it to the 2019 squad. However, the selectors decided to replace him with Vijay Shanka due to his ability to bowl. 

Three reasons why Ambati Rayudu could have been a great choice

1. Knew how to play quality bowling 

During the World Cup, India’s biggest fear was ‘what if the top-order fails against the new ball or falls significantly early’. This came back to bite them when it mattered the most, i.e, in the semis against New Zealand. After losing three wickets for five runs, it was all about having a calm head but they failed to do so. 

Hypothetically, if Rayudu was there, he might have taken charge of the innings at number four. Not to forget, a few months back, against the same side, the team was reduced to 18/4, Rayudu scored 90 and this happens to be his last game for India. One can wonder if he might have done in that dreaded game.

2. Despite not playing international cricket, he did well in the IPL

After missing out on the ODI WC 2019 squad, he took a shocking retirement from the game, only to take it back a few months later. Meanwhile, after having a long break due to pandemic in 2020 and not playing enough cricket between IPL seasons, the former India U19 player did well for the side whenever given the chance, 

Not to forget, he was used as an impact player this year, a rule introduced in cricket for the first time.

3. 90 runs are much better than 45 anyway

In the fifth ODI against New Zealand in early 2019, India was 18/4 with the new ball. While Rayudu scored 90, Vijay Shankar managed 45 runs that elevated his chances of being considered at the top order. However, Rayudu scoring 90 runs meant that the team was in a good position to win the game.

With Shankar, his trigger movement is a bit longer which is why any fast bowler with a 142 plus pace can get him into trouble. This also led to him missing a yorker from Jasprit Bumrah in the nets and get hit. After this, he never played for India up until now.