Wicket-keeper batsman Dinesh Karthik, who has been named in India’s 15-man squad for the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup, said it has been his dream to be a part of the marquee event.
Karthik’s selection surprised many as he pipped young Rishabh Pant down to be MS Dhoni’s back-up behind the stumps.
“It is definitely a case where we have debated at length and all of us in unison felt that either Rishabh Pant or DK (Karthik) will only come into the playing XI if Mahi (Dhoni) is injured,” the chairman of selectors, MSK Prasad said on Monday while announcing the Indian squad.
“If it is a crucial match, like a quarter-final or a semi-final or like an important game, wicket-keeping also matters. So that is the only reason that we went ahead with Dinesh Karthik. Otherwise, Rishabh Pant was almost there,” he added.
The 33-year-old Karthik will be part of his second ODI World Cup and first in 12 years, having last played in the 2007 edition.
#CWC19 #WorldCup #TeamIndia #MSDhoni #DineshKarthikhttps://t.co/99DGN2D5Ga pic.twitter.com/ZEOZQFUCmo
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“I am very excited. It has been a dream for me to be a part of this (World Cup 2019) 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,” Karthik said in a video shared his IPL franchise – Kolkata Knight Riders.
.@DineshKarthik reacts to being picked for the Indian World Cup squad 💜#KKRHaiTaiyaar #CWC19 #IPL2019 #Cricket #DineshKarthik pic.twitter.com/llWCMzxHmp
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) April 15, 2019
Although Karthik has scored 111 runs in seven IPL 2019 innings so far at an average of 18.50, his experience has been acknowledged by the selection committee. The wicket-keeper batsman has the ability to be a match finisher, having scored an unbeaten 8-ball 29 during the Nidahas Trophy final last year.
“That is exactly what we have discussed. Under pressure, we have seen Dinesh Karthik finishing matches. That is one reason that scored for him,” Prasad said.
The 2019 World Cup is scheduled to be played in England and Wales from May 30 to July 14. India will begin its campaign against South Africa at the Rose Bowl in Southampton on June 5.
