ICC World Cup 2019: Dinesh Karthik hopes to make the Indian playing XI as a batsman alone

The Indian World Cup squad was one of the most anticipated ones with excitement over some vacant spots and the candidates who were available for those spots must have had their hearts in their mouths as the time of announcement came near on April 15. India will start their World Cup 2019 journey with a match against South Africa on June 6 in Rose Bowl.

One such player was Dinesh Karthik who was up for the backup wicketkeeper’s role and was in competition with the young Rishabh Pant for the spot. As it was revealed, Karthik made it into the Indian squad as Pant’s immature batting and lack of solid keeping skills went against him and Karthik’s experience of playing two previous ICC events in England in last 6 years got selectors’ notice.

Karthik reveals anxious moments before announcement

Karthik revealed that he spent the tense moments with his wife, Indian squash player Dipika Pallikal and KKR CEO Venky Mysore in the hotel in Kolkata. “Yes, I was anxious. Playing in the World Cup is big and everyone wants to be part of the experience. And after the team came out, it was both a feeling of relief and happiness for me,” Karthik admitted in a chat with Sportstar.

MSK Prasad made it clear that Karthik will only make it into the team if Dhoni, the first-choice wicketkeeper got injured. But Karthik was adamant that he will definitely try to make it into the playing XI as a specialist batsman alone, based on his finishing skills and batting prowess.

“M.S. Dhoni should keep wickets in all matches in the World Cup and I would come into picture only if he gets injured. It is as a specialist batsman that I have a better chance of making the eleven,” Karthik was quoted as saying.

“I am capable of batting at No. 4, from where I can build an innings. I have performed the role in the past. I have also been coming later down the order and donned the role of a finisher. Clarity of thought is very important to execute plans in these situations,” Karthik further added.

“I am training hard and performing. I have not thought about ending my career in the next five to six years,” Karthik said while clearing that he had no intentions of calling time on his career.

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