A few months ago, Ambati Rayudu was strongly backed as India’s No 4 batsman by skipper Virat Kohli after he returned to India’s ODI setup. However, his deserted form in recent times led to his exclusion from the 15-man squad for World Cup 2019, announced by the BCCI on Monday.

The MSK Prasad-led selection panel considered Vijay Shankar ahead of Rayudu for the marquee event. Moreover, they termed the all-rounder a “three-dimensional” option who could bat after Kohli in the line-up, bowl a few overs and is also a decent fielder.

Almost a day after the squad announcement, Rayudu finally broke silence on his snub. He came up with a sarcastic tweet, taking a jibe at the chairman of selector's choice.

“Just Ordered a new set of 3d glasses to watch the world cup,” the 33-year old Hyderabad batter posted on Twitter.

Here’s the post:

Earlier on Monday, Prasad backed Shankar’s selection by stating that the Tamil Nadu all-rounder is one of those cricketers who cropped up exceptionally to grab the spot.

“After the Champions Trophy, we tried quite a few people [at No. 4]. We gave a few more chances to Rayudu. What Vijay Shankar brings is three dimensional. We are looking at him as no. 4 to begin with,” said Prasad.

Rayudu averages 47.05 in 55 matches but he possesses a strike rate of 79.04 which is well below the standard norm for modern-day ODI cricket. His form dipped lately as he scored at a rate of 75.3 in his last 10 innings with just one fifty.