Ambati Rayudu retires from cricket following India World Cup snub

The 33-year-old was left out of his country’s World Cup squad despite playing 10 ODIs for India in 2019

Former India batsman Ambati Rayudu has retired from all forms of cricket, less than a year after retiring from first-class cricket in order to focus on his white-ball career.

The 33-year-old was left out of his country’s World Cup squad despite playing 10 ODIs for India in 2019 – a run that included a match-winning 90 against New Zealand after his side had fallen to 18 for four at Wellington.

However, Vijay Shankar was selected ahead of him, with the suggestion given that Shankar’s status as an allrounder had given him an advantage over the Chennai Super Kings batsman.

Speaking to the Times of India, BCCI chief executive Rahul Johri confirmed that Saba Karim, BCCI general manager for cricket operations, had received an email from Rayudu announcing his intention to retire.

Can understand the pain and anguish Ambati Rayudu may be feeling after the World Cup snub even after performing well.
I wish him lots of happiness and peace in his second innings.

— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) July 3, 2019

The email, seen by Times of India, said: "I would like to bring to your kind notice that I have come to the decision to step away from the sport and retire from all forms and levels of the game.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the BCCI and all the state associations that I have represented, which include Hyderabad, Baroda, Andhra and Vidharbha."

Really feel for #AmbatiRayudu. Always gave it everything he had but sometimes was left holding the wrong cards. So hope he continues in domestic white ball cricket so that we can see his wholehearted style of play in the #IPL. This is an emotional moment but there is a tomorrow

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) July 3, 2019

Rayudu’s decision comes after India have suffered two World Cup-ending injuries; Shikhar Dhawan was ruled out with a fractured thumb, before Shankar himself left the tournament with a toe injury.

Yet, despite being unfortunate to miss out initially, he was overlooked again, with Rishabh Pant and Mayank Agarwal added to India’s squad ahead of him.

In 55 ODIs, he averaged 47.05. His high score came in 2015, making an unbeaten 124 against Zimbabwe.