Cheteshwar Pujara explains why Karthik and Vijay's selection for World Cup 2019 is handy

Ever since India announced their 15-member squad for the ICC World Cup starting May 30, a debate has been raging on over the selection of Dinesh Karthik and Vijay Shankar in places of Rishabh Pant and Ambati Rayudu, respectively. While Karthik pipped the young Pant even after getting overlooked for India’s last ODI series against Australia at home, Vijay got the nod ahead of Rayudu as the side’s No.4 batsman for the premier event.

For both Pant and Rayudu, their current keeping and batting forms, respectively, went against their selection. Karthik and Vijay, however, are having a quiet Indian Premier League (IPL) this season, prompting many to question their selection for the ICC mega event. However, ace Test batsman Cheteshwar Pujara has now come up with his version on why the selection of both Karthik and Vijay will come in handy for India in England and what people should look out for in their respective campaigns.

“I feel he is a very experienced player. He has seen many ups and downs in his career and so he realises how to tackle various situations. His experience in domestic cricket, international cricket and even T20 cricket will prove to be handy for him. Now it is to see whether he gets a chance in the playing XI. If he gets a chance, his experience will prove to be handy and will be able to contribute to the team,” Pujara was quoted as saying on the Knockout Show of Rooter Sports.

Pujara concedes Vijay is least experienced but could still be handy

On the selection of Vijay, also a player from Tamil Nadu like Karthik, Pujara said that though he is the least experienced player in the 15-man squad, he could still be handy with his batting and bowling abilities. Vijay made his ODI debut early this year after all-rounder Hardik Pandya was suspended over a TV controversy and ever since his stints against Australia and New Zealand, Vijay has earned a better reputation.

Pujara, who had a fantastic tour of Australia in December-January, said though it is uncertain whether Vijay is India’s No.4 batsman or not, he could prove handy in the seaming conditions with his bowling skills.

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