The most intriguing aspect of the ICC World Cup 2019 squad was the second wicket-keeper role in the team. 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. Meanwhile, Rohan Gavaskar believes it is the right decision from the selectors.
While announcing the squad, 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.
Meanwhile, last night, in the IPL games against Rajasthan Royals, Dinesh Karthik showed his capability as the wicket-keeper. He played a scintillating knock under the tremendous pressure to hand a decent tally on the board for the team.
Dinesh Karthik brings calmness to the side – Rohan Gavaskar
The knock impressed Rohan Gavaskar, who quoted that Karthik proved his selection for the ICC World Cup 2019 is a right choice. He also added that Rishabh Pant is a superstar but Dinesh Karthik is the right choice, who brings calmness to the side.
”When World Cup squad was announced, a lot of people are unhappy with the call that Dinesh is picked ahead of Rishabh Pant. As I said before and now again, Rishabh Pant is an absolute superstar. I think he is going to be the magical player for India in the years to come,” Rohan Gavaskar quoted.
”But, having said that, Dinesh Karthik was the right choice for the World Cup. He brings certain calmness, he brings certain experience. And also, he got the good shots with the bat. Karthik batted phenomenal for KKR against Rajasthan,” he said to News18.com.
Well, as Gavaskar said, Karthik is the current best choice for the backup. It also comes to know that the Indian skipper convinced the selectors to go with Dinesh ahead of Rishabh. 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.
As far as Kolkata Knight Riders are concerned, they lost their mojo in the tournament. They are currently having a dismal run by losing 6 games on a trot in the tournament. It pushed them into that pool, who are praying for a playoff stage with 14 points in their kitty as the target.