'It was a huge blunder' - Ex-Indian coach takes sly dig at Virat Kohli and Ravi Shastri for not including Ambati Rayudu in 2019 ODI World Cup

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) star middle-order batter Ambati Rayudu took retirement from international cricket and from franchise cricket as well after CSK's nail-biting victory in IPL 2023 final against Gujarat Titans (GT) by 5 wickets on Tuesday, May 30 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad and also became the five-time champions as well.

Meanwhile, former legendary Indian captain Anil Kumble recalled when Rayudu wasn’t included in India’s squad for the ODI World Cup 2019. He revealed that it was a blunder from the then-Indian captain Virat Kohli and former head coach Ravi Shastri not to include Rayudu that too after preparing him for a special role in the World Cup.

"Rayudu should have played the 2019 World Cup. Oh yes, there's no doubt about it. It was a huge blunder. You prepared him for that role for so long and his name just disappears from the squad. It was surprising nonetheless," Kumble was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times.

It's a fairytale finish and I couldn't have asked for more: Ambati Rayudu

If we look at Rayudu's performance, the 37-year-old represented Team India in 55 ODI matches and scored 1694 runs at an average of 47.06 in his career. Rayudu also smashed 3 centuries and 10 half-centuries in the format as well. Rayudu also got a chance to play in 7 T20 Internationals, although he could only add 61 runs at an average of 12.2. Rayudu talked about his retirement after IPL 2023 final and expressed his gratitude towards the franchise. Rayudu also said that he will remember this win for the rest of his life.

"It's a fairytale finish and I couldn't have asked for more. It's unbelievable, really fortunate to have played in some great sides. This win is something I will remember for the rest of my life, for all the hard work in the last 30 years, happy that it finished on this note. I would like to take this moment to thank my family and thank my father, without him I wouldn't have been here today."