Ambati Rayudu opts out of Vijay Hazare Trophy without informing HCA

Ambati Rayudu, after the yo-yo test saga, came back in the mix of the national side again and played in the recently concluded Asia Cup. He grabbed his chance with both the hands while batting at the coveted number three position in the absence of Virat Kohli. India won the tournament and most of the cricketers were expected to play for their states in the domestic cricket. But the Hyderabad cricketer has opted to stay away from the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy which has left everyone baffled.

Rayudu was in good form in the Asia Cup and amassed 175 runs in six matches at an average of more than 43. With the openers firing on all cylinders, very often he came out to bat with the team in comfortable position. But when the batsman was sent to open the innings against Afghanistan, he didn’t disappoint and smashed a half-century making a statement.

However, one would’ve expected for him to play in the domestic tournament to stay in the same vein ahead of the Windies ODI series but Rayudu has opted to take rest surprisingly.

HCA official comments

Ambati Rayudu has not informed anything to the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) upon his return to home after the Asia Cup. Moreover, he was appointed the captain of all the formats by the association this season which highlights the issue.

“Rayudu has not got in touch with us about the reasons about his absence. Maybe he has informed the selectors or the Committee of Administrators. At the start of the season we had appointed him captain for all forms but strangely he had decided to stay away from the group stage of the Vijay Hazare Trophy,” the HCA secretary Sheh Narayan was quoted as saying by Ahmedabad Mirror.

Meanwhile, Hyderabad chief selector Noel David apparently said that Rayudu had told the association about his desire to take rest and the selectors have obliged accordingly.

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