Rishabh Pant, Shikhar Dhawan, ICC World Cup 2019
(Photo by Mike Egerton/PA Images via Getty Images)

Ignored for a place in the Indian team for World Cup 2019, wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant sent out his wishes to the Men in Blue before they kick off their World Cup tourney next week. In his tweet, the young batsman had a message for team India which read as –

“Donning the blue for the nation is a feeling nothing else can even come close to ?? Wishing Team India a killer run to the ? Bring it, home boys !! Good luck ?? ?? @BCCI #JaiHind”

 

Rishabh was one of the strongest contenders to be backup for MS Dhoni in the World Cup. However, lack of experience cost him and Dinesh Karthik was preferred over him. Chief selector MSK Prasad mentioned that it was the experience of Karthik that saw him get preference over Rishabh.

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Indian skipper Virat Kohli also mentioned the same reason behind the non-inclusion of Rishabh Pant in the squad. The young batsman had an opportunity to answer his critics during IPL. On many occasions, he steered Delhi Capitals to the verge of famous wins but could not finish games on each occasion, that somehow proved the selectors correct.

On the other hand, Dinesh Karthi has an excellent record in finishing games for India. Since 2017, he averages over 100 while chasing. He though did not have a great IPL but his experience and chasing ability were enough to see him get a place in World Cup squad after 12 years.

'Snubbed' Rishabh Pant Sends Out His Best Wishes To Indian Team Ahead Of World Cup 2019 1

He was a part of World Cup 2007 team but missed out on a place in 2011 and 2015 Word Cup.
It is almost sure that MS Dhoni will take a call on his career after World Cup and the race for the wicketkeeper slot will be between Karthik and Rishabh after his retirement.

Rishabh looks a likely contender to get a permanent place in the T20I format but for ODIs, the race will be open between the two contenders.

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Although, the young batsman is already the number 1 choice in the Test team. Despite Wriddhiman Saha coming back to the Indian team soon, it would be Rishabh who will get first preference in the Test series against West Indies.

Saha has been named in the squad for all the India A vs West Indies A matches but it will be Rishabh who will get the first go in the series.

Meanwhile, India kick off their World Cup 2019 campaign against South Africa on June 5. The Men in Blue won their previous warm-up match against Bangladesh comfortably.