Revealed: The Man Who Made Selectors Pick Dinesh Karthik Ahead Of Rishabh Pant

Dinesh Karthik getting the nod over Rishabh Pant for the World Cup squad is perhaps the biggest surprise of the team. While one cannot doubt the credentials of Karthik, the way things had panned out, it looked like the senior wicketkeeper-batsman will miss out on a World Cup spot. Despite being groomed as a finisher in the last one year or so, Karthik was sensationally dropped for the home series against Australia.

The selectors had instead picked up Pant. With that series being India’s last assignment before the World Cup, it looked like Karthik’s World Cup dreams are over. However, the selectors sprung a big surprise by naming Karthik. MSK Prasad then explained the decision by citing Karthik’s experience and his better ability to deal with pressure.

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“Well, it’s definitely a case where we have debated at length and all of us, in unison, felt that either Rishabh Pant or DK will only come into the playing XI if Mahi (MS Dhoni) is injured,” said MSK Prasad .

“So at that juncture, it is a crucial match like the semifinal or an important game (of the World Cup), wicketkeeping also matters. So that’s the only reason why we went ahead with Dinesh Karthik, otherwise, Rishabh Pant was almost there,” Prasad added.

And if rumours are to be believed, then it is skipper Virat Kohli who made a big role in Karthik’s selection over Pant. According to media reports, four out of the five selectors wanted Pant in the squad. However, Kohli convinced the majority of the selectors in favour of Karthik. If such is the case then Karthik can definitely expect a key role in the upcoming mega event.  Another report also suggested that Kohli prefers a tactically aware wicketkeeper. In that case too, Karthik is better than Pant for the time being and so Kohli voted for him.

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It should also be noted that technically the captain cannot vote for any player. However, a captain’s views are of great importance and do play a big role in the selections.  The World Cup, meanwhile, will start from May 30 with England taking on South Africa. India, on the other hand, start their campaign against South Africa too on June 5.