Dinesh Karthik’s experience and composure in pressure situations helped him pip young sensation Rishabh Pant to the second wicketkeeper’s spot in India’s World Cup squad, captain Virat Kohli has said.
The selectors preferred Karthik, 33, in their 15-man squad over Pant, who is known for his swashbuckling batting.
“In pressure situations, he’s shown composure,” Kohli told the Times of India newspaper about Karthik. “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.”
Karthik made his one-day international debut in 2004 and has played 91 matches for India in the format, and has shown the ability to bat anywhere in the batting order.
“We can very well imagine there’s more than an opinion in place that some capable guys have missed out,” India coach Ravi Shastri added. “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.”
India begin their bid for a third World Cup title against South Africa in Southampton on June 5.
