Twitterati not impressed with Ambati Rayudu's inconsistency batting at number four

India had a disappointing start to the second ODI against Australia in Nagpur as they lost three wickets with 70-odd on the board and they included their top-rated openers in Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan. Ambati Rayudu was the other batsman to get dismissed and the debate was back over which position the Hyderabad batsman should play. He came in at No.4 in both the ODIs against Australia but could manage just 13 and 18.

Rohit Sharma was back to the pavilion in the first over bowled by Pat Cummins. The other opener, Shikhar Dhawan, added 38 runs for the second wicket with captain Virat Kohli before getting dismissed by Glenn Maxwell. Rayudu was the next to depart after adding 37 runs for the third wicket with Kohli. He fell leg before to off-spinner Nathan Lyon who was playing his first game of the series.

India lose both Rayudu and review

It was the final ball of the 17th over and Lyon pitched one close to the leg. Ambati Rayudu went back and tried to play it to the off but missed it and was hit on the back pad. As the on-field umpire gave his verdict, Rayudu went for a review but he was not fortunate enough to escape as the ball-tracker showed the ball was on its way to hit the middle stump. India lost both the batsman and the review.

Rayudu has not been in a great touch although he has been projected as India’s probable No.4 for the World Cup. His last fifty came against New Zealand in Wellington last month and he did not have a high score in the four matches he played in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy T20 tournament before the Australia series started.

Another failure for Ambati Rayudu has raised some serious questions now. He hasn’t been consistent enough in the crucial middle-order position and it remains to be seen if he continues to get chances with only three matches to go for the World Cup.

Here’s how Twitter reacted:

I was a big fan of Rayudu when he left to play in ICL and I’m glad he got back into @BCCI’s scheme of things but im@not comfortable with him being in the squad for 2019 WC. Certainly not in the playing XI. Hope, he proves me wrong

— Sachin Madaan (@sachin_madaan) March 5, 2019

Rayudu would be better in the Test side.

— Sridevi Rao Ph.D (@sitahyderabadi) March 5, 2019

Else. Change for. Rayudu to Rahane. Good batting average in odi choice for 4th batting #staraikelungal

— Dinesh (@Dinesh10460659) March 5, 2019

@ESPNcricinfo @cricketnext Rayudu should be dropped as he is losing it and Vijay Shankar should be batting at no. 4 for India leading into the World Cup. Shikhar Dhawan I also now a ???? What about Prithvi Shaw at the top of the. Order?

— Ranjith Kumar Lall (@Ranjithlall) March 5, 2019

Shankar is a better proper batsman than Rayudu, DK, Kedar and Hardik

— Sam Roy (@SamRoy84) March 5, 2019

@BCCI …please remove rayudu for world cup ..in his place select shreyas ayyar or hanuma vihari..compared to rayudu, the other two batsmen technically good

— Nandana (@Nandana16273532) March 5, 2019

@StarSportsIndia Rayudu ki jagah mai vijay sankar ko bhi khila sakta hai

— Jaydeep Goari (@GoariJaydeep) March 5, 2019

@BCCI ..please remove rayudu from team and select shreyas ayyar for world cup…

— Nandana (@Nandana16273532) March 5, 2019

Rayudu must be a relieved man! His failure today (again), will go unnoticed, because #Dhoni instead will get all the unfair criticism (again)#INDvAUS @RaviShastriOfc#MSDhoni #Rayudu

— Shivam🎯 (@itsShivam18) March 5, 2019

In worst case KL Rahul is much better option in WC19 15 instead of Rayudu #INDvAUS

— prudhvirajk (@rajvinay77) March 5, 2019

Rayudu’s performance has oscillated wildly and so has the narrative around India’s #4 since before the Asia Cup. Two innings ain’t enough to feel more convinced abt Shankar. Though the fact that he doesn’t start his batting with a deficit in the fielding dept is great for a start

— Fifty 50s (@bhaatmaarna) March 5, 2019

I don't like Rayudu that much personally, but hw just scored a 90 2 odis back. People already calling for his axe? #INDvAUS

— Adharsh Bharadwaj (@cricadharsh) March 5, 2019

#AskStar Is Rayudu fit for the World Cup?

— Dinesh naik (@Dineshn16160326) March 5, 2019

Has Rayudu kissed his WC chances a goodbye ??

— Swetha Harini (@Swez_S) March 5, 2019

Drop Rayudu & Bring Pant for the next three game !@BCCI @imVkohli

— अजनबी ! (@vellapanthi) March 5, 2019

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