First dropped Yuvraj Singh from team, later dropped Rayudu; former Indian cricketer levels serious allegations against Virat Kohli

BENGALURU: The massive defeat suffered by the Indian cricket team in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy has sparked sharp criticism against senior players like captain Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. The issue revolves around these players continuing in the team despite poor form, while younger players are not given opportunities. Meanwhile, former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa recently made serious allegations against Virat Kohli. Uthappa claimed that Kohli, who was the captain of the team till 2022, was responsible for dropping Yuvraj Singh from the team, despite Yuvraj being a World Cup hero and returning to cricket after battling cancer.

In addition to Yuvraj’s case, Uthappa also alleged that Kohli’s personal preferences were behind another exclusion from the team. He stated that Ambati Rayudu was dropped due to Kohli's dislike for him. Rayudu, who used to bat at number four, was prepared for the World Cup but was excluded at Kohli's behest, according to Uthappa. This decision became a major controversy at the time. The MSK Prasad-led selection committee subsequently sidelined Rayudu entirely.

“If Virat Kohli didn’t like someone or felt a player wasn’t good enough, they were at risk. Ambati Rayudu is the prime example. I understand everyone has their preferences, but you shouldn’t block someone’s path after taking them to the team with a World Cup jersey. Rayudu had packed his kit and bag, ready to play the World Cup. But his path was blocked at the last moment. This, for me, is not acceptable,” Uthappa said.

Rayudu had strongly reacted to this decision and announced his retirement from cricket during the 2019 World Cup, making headlines at the time. Rayudu, who had played 55 ODIs for India, had scored 1694 runs at an average of 47.