Kolkata Knight Riders skipper Dinesh Karthik was included in the Indian squad for the 2019 World Cup which is slated to be played in England and Wales from 30th May. It was a surprising call from the Indian selectors especially given the fact Karthik was not included in the final ODI assignment for India ahead of the World Cup against Australia.
However ordinary glovework from Rishabh Pant went in favour of Dinesh Karthik as the experienced campaigner was preferred ahead of the 21-year-old. Being the captain of the KKR franchise, Dinesh Karthik celebrated his inclusion in the Indian World Cup squad by walloping some rosogollas, one of the most popular sweet deserts in Bengal.
Indian chairman of selectors MSK Prasad stated that it was Dinesh Karthik’s proven ability to handle pressure situations which worked in his favour. However, MSK Prasad also added that Rishabh Pant was almost there but it was Karthik’s better wicket-keeping skills which proved to be a major criterion as an injury to MS Dhoni might mean India will need a proper wicket keeper.
In his interview to Boria Majumder for the India Today, Dinesh Karthik said that he was delighted after being included in the Indian World Cup squad for the very first time in his career.
“Delighted with the opportunity to represent India at the World Cup. This is a dream come true for any cricketer. I will do all that I can to contribute to a World Cup win. I am delighted that captain Virat Kohli and coach Ravi Shastri reposed faith in me,” Karthik further added.
It was during the Nidahas Trophy last year that Dinesh Karthik made a huge name for himself with his match-winning knock of 29 of 8 deliveries. In the final against Bangladesh, Karthik played a gem of an innings and handed India a famous victory from a horrible situation. Since that innings, Karthik has been widely known as one of the best finishers in the game and India has backed him to come good in the World Cup.
Karthik was part of the Indian World Cup squad back in 2007 when the Men in Blue were eliminated in the group stage. He didn’t play a single game as it turned out to be a disastrous World Cup campaign for India.