Paine concerned about Gambhir’s inability to stay calm under pressure
“Their last two series wins out here they had Ravi Shastri who was fantastic,” Paine said.
Former India opener Gautam Gambhir has lashed out at the Indian selectors for overlooking an experienced Ambati Rayudu who announced his retirement on Wednesday.
Notably, Rayudu was not included in the 15-member World Cup squad of India as all-rounder Vijay Shankar was preferred over him for the much debatable no.4 spot.
In fact, Rayudu was rather kept as a reserve player. But as luck would have it, Rayudu missed the flight to England and Wales twice after Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan and Vijay Shankar were ruled out of the World Cup due to injuries, and Rishabh Pant and Mayank Agarwal were called in for their respective replacements.
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Commenting on Rayudu’s decision to quit all forms of cricket, Star Sports expert Gambhir said on Philips Hue Cricket Live: “According to me, the selectors have been a complete disappointment this World Cup. Rayudu’s retirement decision is because of them and their decision-making skills are to be blamed for this.”
Taking a jibe at the selectors, the southpaw said: “Five selectors combined would not have made the runs Rayudu has in his career. I feel extremely sad about this retirement.
“Rishabh Pant and Mayank Agarwal got selected amidst the World Cup injuries, and anyone in Rayudu’s place would have felt equally bad. A cricketer like him that has played so well in the IPL and for the nation, scored three 100’s and ten 50’s, and despite that if a player has to retire – it is a sad moment for Indian cricket,” added Gambhir.
Rayudu has played 55 ODI matches for India and scored 1,694 runs at an average of 47.06, including 3 centuries and 10 half-centuries.
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