VVS Laxman and me consoled and convinced Ambati Rayudu to return, reveals Noel David
BCCI
Noel David has claimed that he and VVS Laxman had to make Ambati Rayudu realize that he still had a long way to go before hanging up his boots, which made him reconsider his retirement and return to cricket. Rayudu had previously written a letter to the HCA thanking the two gentlemen for the same.
After having been left out of the World Cup squad before being overlooked as injury replacements for Vijay Shankar and Shikhar Dhawan, Ambati Rayudu had announced his decision to quit all forms of cricket before the tournament even concluded. However, the 33-year-old has now made a U-turn, with Noel David and VVS Laxman responsible for helping him realize what would be good for him and his future.
“This guy (Rayudu) has five years of cricket left in him. He is just 33. Yes, he went through the period where he could have been in the World Cup side but unfortunately he was not there. He felt very bad and was dejected. Me and Laxman, we just consoled him and told him ‘You have so much cricket left. So make a comeback, play for your state and then think about making a comeback to the national team. Your experience will help youngsters, benefit Hyderabad team.’ The convincing part is now done,” Noel David, the chief selector of Hyderabad cricket team, was reported saying by Hindustan Times.
A few days ago, Rayudu had stated that he could not turn his back on cricket in such a manner and would be returning to the game represent his domestic team. He subsequently wrote a letter to the HCA to inform them of the same in which he had credited Laxman and David for guiding him through the tough phase. Interestingly, Rayudu will be making a return to all forms of cricket despite having quit first-class cricket last year to focus on the limited-over formats of the game.
“Yesterday he called me and said he is willing to return. He will have to go through some paperwork and join practice. The Hyderabad players have welcomed the decision. In his letter he has said that he will be joining us on the 10th. At present nothing is happening here only League, so he has enough time to gel with the team,” David concluded.
