ICC World Cup 2019 | Virat Kohli opines experience key factor behind Dinesh Karthik’s selection ahead of Rishabh Pant

Rishabh Pant was one of the frontrunners for the second wicketkeeper slot in the Indian squad for the upcoming World Cup. However, Dinesh Karthik got a nod ahead of the southpaw which left the cricket world divided by opinions. Karthik has immense experience in his kitty whereas Pant has played just five ODIs so far. Kohli backed Karthik’s selection and revealed what prompted the KKR skipper. 

“In pressure situations, he’s shown composure. It was something that everybody on board was convinced about. He has the experience. If, god forbid, something happens to MS (Dhoni), Karthik can be immensely valuable behind the wickets. As a finisher, he’s done well. So, it was the overall exposure to a tournament of this magnitude that was taken into primary consideration,” Kohli said, reported TOI.  

Karthik has played 91 ODIs for India and has shown enough signs as a versatile batsman. Also, Karthik can be termed as a better wicketkeeper when the purely keeping skills are spoken about. Indian coach Ravi Shastri also threw light on the difficulty selectors have to go through in handpicking 15 players and have urged them to be prepared.  

“We can very well imagine there’s more than an opinion in place that some capable guys have missed out. Heart goes out to them. Picking 15 from an immensely talented pool is never easy. I’d say to these guys: Keep going the way you have. Be prepared, in case there’s an unforeseen requirement that pops up."