Former India cricketer Robin Uthappa has opened up about his 2019 remarks criticizing Virat Kohli over the omission of Ambati Rayudu from India’s ODI World Cup squad, admitting the comments strained his relationship with the former captain.

Uthappa’s Reflection on the Incident

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Uthappa revealed that his interview at the time was not intended to target Kohli, but the impact was personal.

“The intent was not to speak about Virat. That interview was meant to be about me. I was asked a question, and I responded. I didn’t consider how Virat might feel. Even if it’s what I believed, I should have spoken to him first before saying it publicly. My camaraderie with him was impacted by that,” he said.

What Uthappa Told Kohli Later

Uthappa added that he eventually addressed the matter directly with Kohli:

“When I spoke to him about it, I acknowledged that I should have spoken to him before. That was my learning—that we must extend that sensitivity to fellow cricketers.”

Lessons From the Episode

The 39-year-old said the situation taught him the importance of respecting different leadership styles and opinions.

“I didn’t speak about my experience with Virat. I spoke about what one of my closest friends (Rayudu) experienced. Leadership styles differ, and so do opinions. But I realized, at least for my relationship with him, I should have spoken to him privately first,” Uthappa explained.

The Rayudu Controversy

Ambati Rayudu’s exclusion from the 2019 squad had sparked major debate at the time. He was seen as the frontrunner for India’s No. 4 spot, but selectors opted for all-rounder Vijay Shankar, citing his “3D abilities” (batting, bowling, fielding). The decision was heavily criticized, and Rayudu’s omission became one of the tournament’s biggest talking points.

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