Twitter goes ballistic as Ambati Rayudu finds a place in the Indian ODI squad

The Indian ODI and the T20I squads for their tour of UK have recently been announced. Ambati Rayudu, who is representing the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the eleventh edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) has been included in the ODI team. The right-handed batsman last donned the national colours in India’s tour of Zimbabwe back in 2016.

However, the emergence of a plethora of talented cricketers meant that Rayudu went out of contention. Nevertheless, the 32-year old cricketer didn’t drop the gun and has tried his heart out to stake his claim back into the Indian team. He is currently the leading run-scorer in the IPL with 423 runs in ten matches at a decent average of 42.30.

The potential final opportunity for Ambati Rayudu

He has been entrusted to open the innings and he hasn’t let his team down by any stretch of the imagination. He is one of the major reasons why CSK have been able to make a strong comeback following their two-year suspension owing to match-fixing scandals. He also has scored the runs at a strike-rate of 151.61 which has ensured that MS Dhoni’s men never fell behind the 8-ball in the powerplay.

He was sent in the middle order in a couple of games and hasn’t disappointed even at the number four slot. In CSK’s last match against the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), he was back as their opening batsman and he played a handy knock of 32 runs, which laid the platform for a rather simple chase of 128 runs, which was eventually accomplished by the franchise with a couple of overs to spare.

Meanwhile, this will be Rayudu’s second tour of England following his debut series in 2014 when he was there in both the ODI and T20I series. Following his selection, Twitter has hailed the selectors for roping in the Guntur-born cricketer.

Here are the reactions

So, Ambati Rayudu is back in the national side. No doubt, he has been phenomenal in this IPL. Welcome back!

— Jessy Rajkumari (@imJR_4) May 8, 2018

Ambati Rayudu & KL Rahul deserved their place in Odi team ?

Great team selection by #Bcci for Eng Tour ?? #ENGvIND

— Raunak Agarwal (@ImRaunak_18) May 8, 2018

The big news is the return of Rayudu and the selection of Kaul. Both had knocked the door down, not merely tapped on it. Like with the selection of Parthiv earlier, Rayudu's selection is a signal that age will not be held against a player seeking a comeback

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) May 8, 2018

Brilliant to see Kaul being included! The right attitude. Heartwarming to see Rayudu make the squad as well! ? https://t.co/GzUfn56HkR

— Travis Bickle (@rohithaashv) May 8, 2018

Although I am a little surprised that Ajinkya Rahane hasn't been included in the One Day for the England series. Perhaps it is because of his current form. Rayudu obviously looks in better knick. Still Rahane the best batsman in Overseas conditions #ENGvIND

— Chirag Gupta (@ChiragG14) May 8, 2018

How suddenly Rayudu has jumped up and entered India's WC plans? I still wish DK or Raina were selected instead of Iyer in that ODI squad.

— Ravi Sutharsan (@RaviSutharsan) May 8, 2018

I guess they are thinking of Rayudu and Karthik as finishers. I still think Raina is better but it’s not an obvious option given World Cup is in England and not in India.

— Realist_Indian (@India_Progress) May 8, 2018

Rayudu makes a comeback and kaul is here. Thankfully our selectors are picking on the basis of current form as well https://t.co/mEDigDwG1M

— EeSalaChutiyappaWaleCupKahaSeNamde (@justacrazyass) May 8, 2018

Rayudu – DK – MSD !!

Such an explosive ODI lineup to finish the proceedings ??

— CSK Bala (@poetbala) May 8, 2018

Raydu come backs after long time and Sidharth Kaul is debutant good see kl Rahul is also make place in the team#ENGvIND

— Mohan Nakum (@Mohan3798) May 8, 2018