“If nobody liked him…”: Robin Uthappa reveals Virat Kohli’s personal bias in omitting Ambati Rayudu from World Cup 2019.
In the world of cricket, team dynamics and selection processes often spark intense debates and controversies. One such incident that has resurfaced is the shocking exclusion Ambati Rayudu from IndiaODI World Cup 2019 squad.
Former cricketer Robin Uthappa rekindled this debate, suggesting that the decision was influenced Virat Kohlipersonal preference rather than purely cricketing reasons. This finding not only sheds light on the complexities of team selection, but also raises questions about leadership styles in sports.
Ambati Rayudu’s controversial omission
Rayudu, who was a reliable player before the World Cup, was unexpectedly dropped from the final squad just before the start of the tournament. He had featured in ten ODIs before the World Cup, making his exclusion all the more puzzling. Uthappa stated that Kohli’s personal feelings towards the players played a significant role in the selection decisions, indicating that if Kohli did not favor a player, he was likely to be dropped from the team.
” If he (Virat Kohli) didn’t like anybody, didn’t feel somebody was good, then they were cut. (Ambati) Rayudu is the best example,” said Uthappa in an interview with Lallantop, expressing his displeasure at the way Rayudu was treated at such a crucial time in his career.
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Virat Kohli has left the player in limbo
Uthappa’s comments highlight a wider issue within team sports: the emotional toll on players who are left on the brink of selection only to be dropped at the last minute. Rayudu has been preparing for the World Cup, with his gear and equipment ready at home, confident that he will represent India on cricket’s biggest stage.
Uthappa lamented this situation, adding, “You feel bad. Everyone has preferences, I agree, but you can’t shut the door on a player once you’ve brought them to the top. He had World Cup clothes, a bag of World Cup gear, it was all in his house. The player would think he was going to the World Cup. But you closed the door on him.”
Repercussions beyond selection
The fallout from Rayudu’s dismissal extended beyond the disappointment of just one player. This has sparked a wide-ranging debate about selection policies and transparency within the Indian cricket system. After the absence, Rayudu publicly expressed his frustration and even hinted at problems with the then chief selector MSK Prasad. Prasad claimed that the choices were made collectively, but admitted that Kohli had input into those decisions.
Moreover, Uthappa’s comments also touch on another controversial topic: how Kohli’s treatment of players like Yuvraj Singh affected their careers. Uthappa claimed Kohli’s influence contributed to Yuvraj’s premature retirement from international cricket following his battle with cancer, suggesting a pattern of favoritism that could undermine team morale and cohesion.
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