Robin Uthappa On Virat Kohli: The 2019 ODI World Cup was filled with drama for Team India, culminating in a heartbreaking loss to New Zealand in the semi-finals, which led to their elimination from the tournament. This match also marked the last international appearance of former Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Even before the tournament began, a controversy erupted regarding team selection, as fan-favourite Ambati Rayudu was not included in the squad. Former Indian cricketer and 2007 T20 World Cup winner Robin Uthappa has now made a significant statement about this matter.
Uthappa’s Shocking Comments on Rayudu and Kohli
Speaking on ‘Lallantop’, former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa shared controversial insights regarding the exclusion of Ambati Rayudu from the 2019 World Cup squad. He blamed then-captain Virat Kohli for the neglect and criticized Kohli’s treatment of Yuvraj Singh post his cancer recovery.
Uthappa remarked, “If Virat did not like someone, that person would be sidelined. Ambati Rayudu is a glaring example. It feels unfair. Everyone has preferences, I agree, but shutting doors on a player after they’ve worked hard to reach their position isn’t right. Rayudu was ready with his kit and gear, thinking he would play in the World Cup. But his hopes were crushed, and to me, this was unjust.”
इस बार #GuestInTheNewsroom में आए पूर्व क्रिकेटर रॉबिन उथप्पा. उन्होंने टीम इंडिया में ‘Mr Fix It’ वाली बहस, विराट कोहली, रोहित शर्मा के फ्यूचर पर खुलकर बात की. उथप्पा ने रोहित की कप्तानी और गंभीर की कोचिंग में टीम की लगातार असफलताओं पर भी बात की.
पूरा इंटरव्यू:… pic.twitter.com/V8yW2bh0PM
— The Lallantop (@TheLallantop) January 11, 2025
Rayudu’s Exclusion from the 2019 World Cup Squad
Ambati Rayudu was overlooked for the World Cup squad despite injuries to key players like Shikhar Dhawan and Vijay Shankar. Instead of being considered as a replacement, Rayudu expressed his disappointment through social media posts. Later, in an interview, Rayudu revealed poor communication between himself and the former chief selector, MSK Prasad. Prasad, however, clarified that team selection was a collective decision, involving the captain and other committee members.
Robin Uthappa explaining that How Karun Nair get dropped after scoring triple century 💔
Virat Kohli and his politics 😔 pic.twitter.com/pJhFYmVaYy— Vodka Triceps🇦🇺 (@Wasvodkatriceps) January 12, 2025
Rayudu’s Cricketing Legacy
Rayudu announced his retirement from all forms of cricket on May 29, 2023. His last stint in Indian cricket was with Chennai Super Kings (CSK), where he achieved remarkable success. Rayudu won the IPL trophy six times, becoming the second player after Rohit Sharma to do so. He was also part of India’s winning squad for the 2018 Asia Cup. Over his career, Rayudu played 55 ODIs, scoring 1694 runs, and 6 T20Is, scoring 42 runs.
