Ganguly surprised as selectors pick Rayudu ahead of Rahane for England ODIs

New Delhi: Former India skipper Sourav Ganguly was of the opinion that he would have picked Ajinkya Rahane over Ambati Rayudu, adding that omitting the former from the ODI squad against England was a ‘harsh’ decision.

Also read: Rahane to lead India vs Afghanistan Test, Rayudu returns to side for England ODIs

While Rahane was named captain of the Indian team to face Afghanistan in a historic Test, he was overlooked for any of the limited-overs squads that are to tour Ireland and England.

“Ajinkya Rahane has missed out on limited-overs squad. A harsh decision," Ganguly was quoted saying to India Today.

"I would still pick Ajinkya Rahane ahead of Ambati Rayudu. Ajinkya Rahane is a far superior player in England where the ball is going to move. He has got a good record in England,” he added.

Also read: England vs India, ODIs: After solid show for CSK, Ambati Rayudu makes comeback

Rayudu, who last played for India in an ODI against Zimbabwe back in 2016, has already aggregated 423 runs from 10 matches in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL). The Hyderabad batsman represents MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK).

Meanwhile, Team India skipper Virat Kohli will play for Surrey in English County cricket during June in order to prepare for the long England series starting on July 3. As a result, the 29-year-old will miss the Afghanistan Test, which will start on June 14 in Bengaluru.

 

While the ‘Prince of Kolkata’ felt that including Shreyas Iyer in the ODI squad for England series was a ‘good decision’, he was surprised by Karun Nair’s selection for the Test against the Afghans.

"Shreyas Iyer is in the England ODI side which is a good decision. Karun Nair (in the Test squad vs Afghanistan) is a bit of a surprise. I am surprised that Shreyas Iyer has not been picked for the one-off Test considering he's been brilliant for Delhi in the IPL," the 45-year-old opined.

India will play two T20Is against Ireland, which will be followed by three T20Is, as many ODIs and five Tests. This series takes place exactly one year before the Cricket World Cup, to be held in England and Wales next year.