Twitterati erupted as Rayudu called it quits from representing India in international cricket, after repeatedly being ignored for the Cricket World Cup squad, despite their need to make several replacements due to team member injuries.
Rayudu announced his retirement from all forms of cricket, after writing a letter to Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) General Manager Saba Karim informing him about the same, reported the Times of India website.
The move comes a day after the cricketer got an offer from the Iceland Cricket Board for permanent residency and citizenship to represent the country.
— Iceland Cricket (@icelandcricket) July 1, 2019
While it is yet not clear whether the player would be interested in taking up the Iceland cricket board’s offer, a section of social media users seem livid with the BCCI for ‘wasting a talent’ like Rayudu.
So Ambati Rayudu has retired from cricket. Poor guy, deserved to play this World Cup #Ambatirayudu
— Manak Gupta (@manakgupta) July 3, 2019
From retiring from first class cricket to being India's No. 4 to not even being picked in the squad to being overlooked twice, all this in a span of 1 year has ultimately taken its toll. Rayudu is a fine example of a talent that could have been. Damn, I feel bad. #Ambatirayudu
— Manya (@CSKian716) July 3, 2019
#Ambatirayudu
— Anand N (@SteveanandN) July 3, 2019
When you have a selector whose stats is like this then retirement of best talent happens pic.twitter.com/sjRrESsUxf
Cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle also expressed his disappointment at Rayudu’s decision.
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
While Rayudu received sympathy from many quarters, some also asked the cricketer to take inspiration from Indian batsman Rohit Sharma who has done exceedingly well in the ongoing world cup, despite being ignored for the previous tournaments.
Two ways of reacting to an exclusion from the World Cup squad :) #Ambatirayudu pic.twitter.com/LLbmYZwBAJ
— Gabbbar (@GabbbarSingh) July 3, 2019
When Your Frustrated
— Suriya Kanth Singh 🔥 (@SurajSingh2567) July 3, 2019
Be Like Rohit Sharma
Not Like Ambatti Rayudu #Ambatirayudu pic.twitter.com/SQjw3o67kq