Former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir is one of the most vocal personalities. He never shies away from voicing out his opinions. Recently, he once again talked about Ambatti Rayudu’s omission from the playing squad of the World Cup.
Ambati Rayudu’s omission from India’s playing squad for the World Cup tournament in England last year came as a big shock for everyone as the cricketer was expected to be India’s choice for the no. 4 position. However, he was replaced by allrounder Vijay Shankar. Major disappointment came when Shikhar Dhawan was injured amidst the tournament and Rishabh Pant was called as his replacement.
Recently, during a live interaction with MSK Prasad, who was the chief selector of Indian cricket at that time, Gautam Gambhir questioned the selection panel for the controversial call. Talking on the show, Star Sports Show ‘Cricket Connected’, Gautam Gambhir termed a few decisions of MSK Prasad led selection panel as ‘absolutely shocking’. He said:
“Some of the decisions were absolutely shocking. Probably not picking Ambati Rayudu in the World Cup (squad). They couldn’t find the number four. One position they had to identify and couldn’t do it. Rayudu, look what happened to him in the WC. You picked him for two years..two years you made him bat at number four and just before WC you needed a 3D (player). Is that a kind of statement you wanna see from a chairman of selectors…we needed a 3Dcricketer.,”
MSK Prasad, who was also present in the panel on the show, clarified the decision for the first time. He said:
“Let me clarify. At the top..we didn’t have…batsman Rohit (Sharma), Shikhar (Dhawan), Virat (Kohli)….there was nobody who could bowl. Someone like Vijay Shankar, who bats at the top of the order…..in English conditions he might be helpful,”
He added:
“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.”
