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 are out,” Uthappa said on ‘The Lallantop’ in an interview.
“Ambati Rayudu is a prime example. You feel bad for him. Every player works hard to reach that level.
“Everyone has their 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 kit bags were sent to Rayudu’s home and then he was not picked for the squad.
“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 on his face. It is just not done. It’s injustice. You should not do that to 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 deserves 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 Sanju Samson, who has revealed in an interview with senior journalist Vimal Kumar how he was all set to play in the 2024 T20 World Cup final against South Africa but in the last moment, was not picked.
“Which is what I appreciate about Rohit Sharma. Recently we heard that Sanju Samson was supposed 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 supposed 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 the difference between a decent leader and great leader. And from my point of view, it’s why Rohit is a great leader.”
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