Perhaps, Dinesh Karthik getting the nod for ICC World Cup 2019 ahead of Rishabh Pant might have stunned the analysts and the former cricketers but here come the latest reports, which reveals that the Indian skipper Virat Kohli has been the primary character behind the call.
Ahead of the squad announcement, there was a stiff competition between Rishabh Pant and Dinesh Karthik for the second wicketkeeper, however, in the end, it was Dinesh Karthik, who got the nod to travel England. At one stage, it is also believed that the team would go with the fourth seamer, as KL Rahul can do the job.
However, they went with Dinesh Karthik. Speaking of the selection, MSK Prasad revealed that the wicket-keeping quality of Karthik has picked himself above Rishabh Pant, who is still work in progress. He also confirmed that Dinesh will get the chance if MS Dhoni gets injured or the team is desperate to give him a rest.
“Well, it’s definitely a case where we have debated at length and all of us, in unison, felt that either Rishabh Pant or DK will only come into the playing XI if Mahi (MS Dhoni) is injured,” said MSK Prasad.
“So at that juncture, it is a crucial match like the semifinal or an important game (of the World Cup), wicketkeeping also matters. So that’s the only reason why we went ahead with Dinesh Karthik, otherwise, Rishabh Pant was almost there,” Prasad added.
Four out of five selectors picked Rishabh Pant:
If the reports in the media, which are being circulated from the last few hours are to believed, it is learnt that four out of five selectors gave their nod for the young Rishabh Pant ahead of Dinesh Karthik. But, the opinion of Virat Kohli made the selectors go with Dinesh Karthik.
It comes to know that the Indian skipper convinced the selectors to go with Dinesh ahead of Rishabh. In another story, it is learnt that Kohli asked selectors to give him a tactically-aware wicket-keeper for the team. If that is considered, Karthik would be way ahead of Pant, who is still sorting out a few technical issues.