Star CSK batsman Ambati Rayudu who ended with more than 600 runs in IPL 2018 will have to dropped from the Indian ODI squad touring England in all likelihood after he failed to qualify the Yo Yo Test.
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Chennai Super Kings returned to the IPL this year with fans cheering from all corners. They had been in wilderness for two years and the fans could not wait to have them back. Although it was expected that their popularity may take a dip but as absence makes the heart grow fonder, the ban actually worked in their favour.
Ambati Rayudu proved to be the highest scoring batsman for CSK this season. He batted both in the middle order and at the top. Despite frequent shuffles in the batting order, Rayudu remained unflustered and delivered for the team.
In 15 matches, Rayudu has scored 586 runs at an average of more than 40. He has also notched up a century. On the back of his consistent performances, he even broke through in the Indian ODI squad touring England.
However, the sad news for the CSK and Rayudu fans is that after Mohammed Shami and Sanju Samson failed to qualify the Yo Yo test, Ambati Raydu is the next addition to the list.
Rayudu who had a fantastic IPL season and was the highest run scorer for Chennai Super Kings, failed that test. Not only did he fail but Rayudu fell way short of the required 16.3 units and could only manage 14 units.
This now effectively means that Rayudu would have to be dropped for the England ODI tour. Hence, he would have to wait a little longer to realise his dream of making a comeback to the national side.
Also Read: Virat Kohli passes the Yo Yo test, available for the T20I series against Ireland
However, it is the survival of the fittest and as much as one would have liked to see him in the squad, rules remain the same for everyone. Here are 5 players who can replace Rayudu in the Indian ODI squad touring England:
Suresh Raina
Suresh Raina made a comeback to International Cricket on India’s tour of South Africa. Although he could not come up with any extraordinary performance, he did enough to keep the selectors interested.
In the recently concluded IPL, Raina played well and was responsible for keeping the Chennai innings together. The factor that goes in his favour is that he is a handy bowler as well and gives a bowling option in the top 6 which India is lacking till now.
Manish Pandey
One tends to forget that Manish Pandey belongs to the same batch as the Indian Captain Virat Kohli. While Virat Kohli grew by leaps and bounds to become the most successful Indian cricketer of the current generation, Pandey has not been able to make full use of his potential.
After getting multiple opportunities, he has failed time and again despite possessing a lot of talent. In this year’s IPL as well, he was ultimately dropped from the SRH side. However, given the natural talent that Pandey possesses, he can be given a longer rope.
Also Read: Ambati Rayudu fails Yo-Yo Test, set to be dropped for England Tour
Kedar Jadhav
Kedar Jadhav could play only one match in this year’s IPL which was the inaugural match between CSK and MI. Although he was struggling with his hamstring, he ensured that CSK came out victorious.
Jadhav was ruled out of the tournament thereafter but like Raina, he can also provide the team with a good bowling option. Jadhav is also very cheeky when it comes to stroke making and can find angles in the cricket field which help him to pierce the boundary.
Ajinkya Rahane
Ajinkya Rahane was slotted at number 4 in the ODI series against South Africa. In the first ODI, he slammed a free-flowing half century. This raised hopes that Rahane can assume the role of a middle order batsman.
However, he phased out as the series went on and left the team management in the lurch. Now that Rayudu is not available, Rahne can prove to be a very sensible option as he is someone who will provide solidity to the middle order and will allow youngsters to play around him.
Rishabh Pant
It is widely agreed that Rishabh Pant is India’s next in line wicketkeeper whenever MS Dhoni decides to hang his boots from international cricket. If there was any doubt that was also removed in this year’s IPL after Rishabh Pant was the lone shining light in the otherwise dismal campaign of the Delhi Daredevils.
The young keeper-batsman possesses tremendous power and can come in very handy in England. He can also assume the role of finisher as he has the capacity of clearing the boundary at will.
