Ahead of the ICC World Cup 2019 squad announcement, the intriguing selection to know was between Dinesh Karthik and Rishabh Pant. It is one of those slots, which left unanswered till the end of their ODI campaign ahead of the IPL 2019. However, in the end, the nod came in the side of Karthik.
There was a stiff competition between Rishabh Pant and Dinesh Karthik for the second wicketkeeper option. However, selectors also got the choice to leave both of them, as KL Rahul is in the side. Ending all doubts, the selection panel felt Karthik can do the job.
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.
I am very excited – Dinesh Karthik
In between, speaking to KKR.in, the flamboyant striker of the ball Dinesh Karthik quoted that the selection for ICC World Cup 2019 is a dream come true moment for him. Karthik added that he has been waiting for the call over the years now.
”I am very excited. It has been a dream for me to be a part of this team for a long time now. As a team, we have done some special things and I have been through that journey and I have really wanted to be a part of this team,” he told www.kkr.in.
On Monday, the Board of Control for Cricket in India announced their squad for the upcoming ICC World Cup 2019. As expected, there are quite a few surprising names on the chart.
Apart from Dinesh Karthik, another surprise is the selection of Vijay Shankar. He is going to be played at number 4 for the team ahead of Ambati Rayudu. India went with a spinner Ravindra Jadeja ahead of the fourth seamer, as the dry conditions could aid the spinners.
All in all, it seems like MSK Prasad-led selection panel is pretty convinced with Dinesh Karthik, as the backup wicket-keeper. Currently, he is leading Kolkata Knight Riders in Indian Premier League 2019.