ICC World Cup 2019 | I would choose Rishabh Pant over Dinesh Karthik, says Dilip Vengsarkar
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Dilip Vengsarkar has stated that Rishabh Pant was a better choice over Dinesh Karthik for the 15 man squad which will play the upcoming World Cup. India’s squad for the quadrennial event was announced on April 15, and Karthik made the cut as the backup wicket-keeper over the 21-year-old Pant.
Dinesh Karthik was in the scheme of things to make it to the World Cup in England and Wales but was dropped for the ODI series against Australia, which was India’s final assignment before the marquee event. Rishabh Pant was drafted into the squad at the expense of MS Dhoni, for the final two ODIs of the five-match series. However, he could only manage 36 and 16 in the two innings he played and was overlooked for the flight to England. It should also be noted that the 21-year-old has been named as a stand-by and will be drafted into the side in case of an injury to any player.
The Tamil Nadu batsman made his debut for India way back in 2004 but has only played in one World Cup since then, and has been in and out of the side. Former India selector Dilip Vengsarkar is of the opinion that the selectors might have gone ahead with Karthik due to his experience.
“If I was a selector today, I would have gone for Rishabh Pant in the World Cup team. Pant is very talented, I was expecting him in the squad,” said Vengsarkar, reported Khaleej Times.
“He is young and he is an in-form batsman. He should have been in the team. Maybe they were looking for experience so went for Karthik, who has been playing for over ten years,” he added.
MSK Prasad, the chief selector of the Indian cricket team, had earlier stated that Karthik was chosen over the Delhi batsman due to his superiority with respect to wicket-keeping. But former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin was not satisfied with Prasad’s comments, as Pant has been handling the wicket-keeping duties in the longer format since his debut in England last year.
“Is it fair to drop a young cricketer who has performed exceedingly well in Tests in England and Australia. If he is not a good wicket-keeper why pick him for the Tests then. Karthik has been given enough chances,” said Azharuddin, reported Sportstar.
Nevertheless, the 56-year-old was satisfied with the overall selection of the team.
“The team otherwise is well balanced and probably the best possible. The batting has depth and bowling looks superb,” he signed off.
