'It was a huge blunder' - Anil Kumble on Ambati Rayudu's omission from World cup 2019 squad

Ambati Rayudu finished his professional career in Indian cricket on a high as he helped Chennai Super Kings win their fifth IPL title with his splendid cameo of 19 off 8 balls in the final against Gujarat Titans. Courtesy of CSK’s win, Rayudu clinched his sixth IPL title having won three titles for Mumbai Indians (2013, 2015 and 2017) and three for CSK (2018, 2021 and 2023).

Following Rayudu’s retirement, former India head coach Anil Kumble called his omission from the ODI World Cup 2019 a ‘huge blunder’. Notably, the 37-year-old was not picked in the squad for the marquee tournament despite being backed by captain Virat Kohli as India’s solution for the no 4 batting position.

"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 said on Jio Cinema.

Instead of Rayudu, the team management went with Vijay Shankar calling him a player with three-dimensional abilities. Furthermore, he was not announced as a replacement despite injuries to Shankar and Shikhar Dhawan during the tournament with Rishabh Pant and Mayank Agarwal being included in the squad.

Rayudu had the backing of Virat Kohli ahead of the World Cup

Ambati Rayudu was touted as India’s solution to the number 4 spot by captain Virat Kohli in 2018. He was given a six-month run at the batting position from September 2018—March 2019. He played 21 ODIs in that six-month period faring rather decently scoring 639 runs in 21 ODIs including one century and four fifties.

Expressing his frustration on his omission, Rayudu took to Twitter and wrote, "Just ordered a new set of 3D glasses to watch the World Cup."

Rayudu even announced his retirement from international cricket briefly before stepping back from his decision. Much to his dismay, Rayudu never got another chance to play for India again and bid adieu to his career after playing just 55 ODIs and six T20Is.