A spot in the World Cup squad has been sealed by Ambati Rayudu, opines VVS Laxman

02/21/2019

VVS Laxman is of the opinion that India's no.4 spot for World Cup has been sealed by Ambati Rayudu following his brilliant New Zealand tour. He has also added that the Indians need to stand against terrorism in the wake of the Pulwama terror attack in which 40 soldiers were killed.

Former India batsman VVS Laxman has underlined the fact that Ambati Rayudu has sealed himself a spot in the Indian squad for the 2019 Cricket World Cup in England following a brilliant New Zealand tour where in the last ODI, his exquisite 90 helped India seal the series 4-1. Speaking on the upcoming 2019 World Cup tournament, which is set to begin in May, Laxman marked India and England as the favourites.

“Rayudu has been performing really well recently. He made his presence felt with a quality knock of 90 in the last ODI against New Zealand, with the knock emerging as a matchwinning one. Rayudu has sealed the position,” Laxman said during the WION Global Summit as reported by The Indian Express.

“I think there is nothing bigger than the World Cup in the ODI format of the game. However, the way the Indian team has played over the last one year indicates that they are a complete side. It is indeed a challenging achievement to beat Australia at home. The current side comprises of a quality bowling attack which includes excellent fast bowlers and resources in the bowling department, capable of picking wickets and restricting the flow of runs."

Following Indian Cricket Team's brilliant series victories against Australia and New Zealand in their own soil, Laxman firmly believes that India is peaking at the right time.

“India is peaking at the right time. Their performances in the recent away series against Australia and New Zealand indicate that they can be world beaters. If the current Indian side emerges victorious in the World Cup, then they will have ticked all the boxes as they have done well in Test matches and ODI clashes as well. Their performance against South Africa in the ODI series away from home cannot be forgotten as well,” said Laxman.

“In my opinion, MSD should play at the No 5 position as he can anchor the innings well and finishes the game off as well. There is enough depth in the lineup with the likes of Hardik Pandya and Kedar Jadhav available as well. I believe that the playing 11 is sorted out. Kohli sets an example which rubs off on the other players as well. The Indian team currently has an edge due to the improved fielding standards. This will help the team do well in tough conditions."

Meanwhile, like many other former cricketers, Laxman also spoke about the ghastly terror attack on the CRPF jawans in Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir and expressed that cricket is the last thing in his mind as the nation is devasted following the terror strike in the North Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir.

“I think cricket is the last thing on my mind at the moment. The country is devastated and angry following the cowardly attack on the soldiers. Cricket is the last thing on anyone’s mind,” the stylish Hyderabad batsman said

“We need to rally behind the security forces and the families of those martyred, and stand together against terrorists as well as terrorism."