Dinesh Karthik delighted after 'dream' selection in the World Cup 2019 squad

Dinesh Karthik made his ODI debut way back in 2004 but has not quite managed to enjoy a long run in the Indian team. Perhaps this is the reason why he is yet to play a single game in the World Cup and made it to the squad just once before being included in the World Cup squad for the upcoming edition. The wicketkeeper-batsman, who had arrived on the scene even before MS Dhoni, had made it to the 2007 World Cup side but could not play a single game.

He then failed to make it the cut in 2011 and 2015 and it looked all over for him concerning the World Cup 2019 when the selectors dropped him for the home series against Australia. It was India’s last international assignment and speculations were rife that Karthik had lost his place in the ODI team for once and for all. However, his fortunes took a big turn on Monday when the MSK Prasad-led selection panel picked him ahead of Rishabh Pant as the backup wicketkeeper.

A veteran of 91 ODIs, Karthik is now gearing up to take a taste of the World Cup after a long gap of 12 years. Delighted with his inclusion in the 15-man squad, the wicketkeeper-batsman said it was a dream come true for him.

“I am very excited. It has been a dream for me to be a part of this team for a long time now,” Karthik told Kolkata Knight Riders‘ official website.

“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,” he added.

MSK Prasad reveals the reason for preferring Karthik over Pant:

India’s chairman of selectors MSK Prasad said that the panel chose Karthik because of his experience and wicket-keeping ability. He also pointed out that Karthik is a better player for crunch situations and thus got the nod ahead of Pant.

“The situation that was discussed by the selection committees, one of them will play in the XI provided MS in injured. So under such situations, in crunch matches who is the best guy to handle the pressure, so that is the reason, it went in favour of Karthik,” said Prasad.

India, meanwhile, will start their World Cup campaign against South Africa on June 5.

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