'Huge blunder' - Anil Kumble on Ambati Rayudu's exclusion from 2019 World Cup squad and '3-D player' debacle

Ambati Rayudu Anil Kumble

As veteran India batter, Ambati Rayudu takes retirement from all forms of cricket, wishes and thoughts are pairing in from all around. Many cricket fans have lauded the Andhra player for his sensational performance in the IPL as well as some great knocks for the national side.

While the all-around reaction to his retirement and career has been positive there has been somewhat of a disappointing muffled noise as well. Some think that Rayudu's career was clipped off quite prematurely and a great player's career was halted.

Among fans who are of this opinion, Anil Kumble is probably the biggest cricketing personality to voice this opinion. The legendary player, captain and coach believes that excluding Rayudu from India's World Cup squad in 2019 was a huge 'blunder'.

"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 when the IPL 2023 final was stalled due to rain after the Gujarat Titans innings.

Glorious IPL career

Rayudu went on to have a glorious IPL career as he won the trophy 6 times. The 37-year-old won the first three trophies with Mumbai Indians and the next three with Chennai Super Kings. His bid farewell to the cricketing pitch after winning it for the 6th time.

In the final against GT, Rayudu made 19 off 8 balls with one four and two sixes. The MS Dhoni-led side got to the target on the back of a team effort wherein every batter contributed helpful runs to the chase.

After the target was adjusted according to DRS and CSK were given 171 to chase down in 15 overs. Eventually, CSK chased it down with a last-ball four from Ravindra Jadeja to clinch their 5th title in IPL history.