‘If Virat Kohli dislikes anyone...’: Robin Uthappa reveals Ambati Rayudu’s exclusion from 2019 ODI World Cup

Former India batter Robin Uthappa has made a shocking statement about why Ambati Rayudu was excluded from India’s 2019 ODI World Cup squad. Uthappa revealed that Rayudu was dropped because Virat Kohli, the then-captain, didn’t like him. According to Uthappa, Kohli's personal preferences influenced the decision, even though Rayudu was on the verge of being part of the team.

Uthappa expressed his disappointment over the way Rayudu was treated. "If he (Virat Kohli) didn’t like anyone, he didn’t feel someone was good, then they were cut. Rayudu is the prime example. You feel bad. Everyone has preferences, but you can’t shut the door on a player after bringing him so close. He had the World Cup clothes, kit bag, everything at his home. A player would think he is going to the World Cup. But you shut the door on him. That wasn’t fair," Uthappa said.

Rayudu’s exclusion caused a stir among fans and former players, as the batter seemed ready to play in the World Cup. In his place, Vijay Shankar was called in, but his performance was less than impressive. Shankar played three games, scoring 58 runs with a best of 29. India reached the semi-finals but lost to New Zealand.

Rayudu, who retired from cricket after a solid career, made his India debut in 2013. He played 55 ODIs, scoring 1,694 runs at an average of 47. He also hit three centuries and 10 fifties, with a best score of 124 not out. Despite his consistent form, Rayudu was left out of the World Cup squad, a move Uthappa believes was influenced by personal reasons rather than performance.

Rayudu also had a successful IPL career, playing 14 seasons and scoring over 4,300 runs in 204 matches with teams like Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings. His strong record in the IPL further showed his reliability as a middle-order batter.