Ambati Rayudu, who made volte-face on his retirement and made himself available for Hyderabad in domestic cricket, has credited conversation with “good people” for his decision to comeback in the game.
In an exclusive interview with Cricbuzz, Rayudu admitted that his decision was a “little hasty” and felt he has a lot more to give to the game than he thought.
“Good people have spoken to me and said that maybe it’s not the right time. The CSK (Chennai Super Kings) management, VVS Laxman bhai, Noel David bhai were constantly talking to me and I felt eventually that what they said made sense,” the Hyderabad batsman said.
“I felt why should I give up on something that I have worked for 20-odd years to reach where I am. So obviously I thought it over and thought that maybe it’s a bit selfish on my part to just move on without giving anything back to the game while I still can play. I am still fit and can still play, so I think maybe it (the decision) was a little hasty,” he added.
Having been overlooked from India’s World Cup 2019 squad despite a couple of injury concerns, Rayudu announced his retirement from all forms of cricket in July.
Although Rayudu was named in the list of standby players, he was not drafted into the squad after Shikhar Dhawan and Vijay Shankar picked up injuries and got ruled out of the showpiece tournament. While Rishabh Pant joined the squad after Dhawan failed to recover from a thumb injury, Mayank Agarwal was picked to replace all-rounder Shankar, who sustained a toe fracture.
Reflecting on his World Cup snub, Rayudu said: “I was very disappointed. I mean, anyone would be because I had worked so hard for it. I was very prepared for that specific role at No. 4, but maybe their idea of No. 4 might have changed all of a sudden. Maybe they just wanted something else…I’m not too sure.”
“It was very disappointing, but I’m sure they must have had some combinations or plans in mind. I was actually very, very prepared for playing the World Cup to be honest.”
Initially, Rayudu was not included in the 15-man India squad for the World Cup because of not having a "three-dimensional" game and Vijay Shankar was preferred over him. After the omission, the 33-year-old had tweeted sarcastically "Just ordered a new set of 3D glasses to watch the World Cup," aimed at chief selector MSK Prasad.
Asked if he regrets that tweet, Rayudu said: “Not at all. If it comes down to such things…I don’t know how to put it, but I don’t think that would’ve played any part. And if it did, I can’t imagine what cricketers must be going through honestly.”
“I had actually played quite well (leading into the World Cup). You can’t play well in every match. It’s not possible. It’s just that…I was batting well throughout that phase. I don’t know… I just feel unfortunate to have missed out.”
“As for social media, it has never been my go-to; it hasn’t ever interested me. I’ve always felt that I’m very happy being simple and natural. I can’t speak for anyone else but for me, that fame or being in front of the media has never interested me. My love for the sport and what I enjoy doing on the ground is what drives me to play the sport. All the frills and glamour that comes with it don’t interest me.”
