‘Virat Kohli didn’t liked him’: Robin Uthappa reveals Ambati Rayudu’s snub from 2019 ODI World Cup | Cricket News
Former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa accused the then captain Virat Kohli for “shutting the door” on Ambati Rayudu’s face just before the squad was picked for the 2019 ODI World Cup.
“If Virat dislikes anyone or he feels someone is not good then they ara out,” Utthappa said on ‘The Lallantop’ in an interview.
“Ambati Rayudu is a prime example. You feel bad for him. Every player works hard to reach at that level.
“Everyone has there own preferences I agree but you can’t take a player to the house and close the door on his face, in my opinion it’s wrong,” he said.
Uthappa also revealed World Cup clothes, suits, and kitbags were sent to Ambati Rayudu’s home and then he was not picked from the squad.
As a player, Ambati Rayudu represented both MI and CSK franchises in the IPL. (PHOTO: Ambati Rayudu’s X handle)
“He has world cup clothes, world cup kitbag sent to his home. A player or a person must be thinking that I am going for the World Cup. It is a very important for me, I will be playing on a very important position. I want to win the Cup for my country.
“After everything sent to his house, the suits, clothes, kitbag, luggage and then you are shutting the door at his face. It is just not done. It’s injustice. You should not do that anyone.
“You have to understand that these are things that impact the mindset, the mentality.. forget player, a human being for a really long time.
“You are shattering someone’s confidence Anyone deserve that basic communication. What is the thinking behind the certain decision,” he said.
Uthappa then compared Virat’s captaincy with how Rohit Sharma dealt with the Sanju Samson, who was set to play in the 2024 T20 World Cup final but in the last moment, he was not picked.
“Which is why I appreciate about Rohit Sharma. Recently we heard that Sanju Samson was suppose to play T20 World Cup final instead of Shivam Dube.
“Ten minutes before the toss, Sanju got to know that he is not playing.
“After the toss, Rohit who is suppose to open and he left his own preparation and spent 15 minutes with Sanju and explained why he was not picked.
“To give importance to that person and the energy he is carrying, even though he is not playing today but his energy is important for us to win the cup.
“This is a difference between decent leader and great leader. And from my point of view, why Rohit is a great leader.”
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