Twitterati surprised with Dinesh Karthik's selection ahead of Rishabh Pant in Indian World Cup squad

Both the players were in contention for the backup keeper's slot.

Published - 15 Apr 2019, 17:00 IST | Updated - 15 Apr 2019, 17:00 IST

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The Indian selectors announced the squad of 15 for the upcoming World Cup on Monday. While the probables who would make it were certain, one interesting question hovered around the inclusion of the second wicketkeeper as back up for MS Dhoni. The veteran Dinesh Karthik and Rishabh Pant were in the race. However, the selectors eventually settled for the former even though he was ignored for the five-match ODI series against Australia at home last month.

The squad led by Virat Kohli includes Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, KL Rahul, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Vijay Shankar, Kedar Jadhav and Ravindra Jadeja. Chief selector MSK Prasad, a former India wicketkeeper himself, said the issue of Pant was discussed in details and Karthik eventually prevailed over the youngster keeping in mind the wicket-keeping.

Pant has kept in just two ODIs so far and has played the rest only as a specialist batsman. His performance with the gloves in the series against Australia failed to impress as he missed a number of chances to dismiss the opponent batsmen, leaving the supporters livid and they called for bringing back Dhoni, who was rested in those games, in his place.

Either Pant or DK when Mahi is injured

“Definitely a case where we debated in length. We all were in unison that either pant or DK will come in only when Mahi is injured. In an important game wicket keeping is also important. That’s the reason we went with Dinesh Karthik,” Prasad said.

India also left out Ambati Rayudu who was being backed as the No.4 batsman after he failed to score enough runs in the ODIs this year. The team is looking at Vijay Shankar for the crucial position unless the management decides on something else in crunch games.

Here is how the fans on Twitter reacted to DK’s inclusion ahead of Pant:

@DineshKarthik Congratulations DK ! Well deserved place in the WC squad. Hope we get to see some good knocks.
— James Felix (@JamesFe03561175) April 15, 2019

Good to see @DineshKarthik in the #WC2019Squad .. Experienced and good temperament in tough situations..#RishabhPant still has time and surely he will be in next World Cup
— Aniket Deshpande (@aniketnd) April 15, 2019

#Indian cricket fans are overwhelmingly happy with the selection @DineshKarthik!
Feeling sad for the cricketing expects who said #TeamIndia should neglect #DK & select the aggressive wk-batsman @RishabPant777 who doesn't have the capability to play a responsible innings.#CWC19
— Rubendhrah (@Rubendhrah1426) April 15, 2019

Happy for @DineshKarthik to be in the squad… Hope he will show his superior talent whenever it is required during the tournament….
— Venugopal (@Venu16oct) April 15, 2019

Make it count @DineshKarthik!🙌🏼💙 #CWC19
— Adlee Sharon (@adlee_sharon) April 15, 2019

Congratulations @DineshKarthik on being selected in the Indian team for the @cricketworldcup. This is an ultimate decision by @BCCI selectors#teamIndia @KKRiders
— Abhishek (@AbhiChillarge) April 15, 2019

Seriously this man's life is a roller coaster and perfect for a movie. High, low, too much low and then sudden high… Both in life and cricket. Lots of love to you… All the best bro @DineshKarthik #WorldCup2019
— ஆதித்த கரிகாலன் (@smanojshere) April 15, 2019

@BCCI Happy to see D.Karthik in the list@DineshKarthik
— NAWNEET ROY (@NawneetROY) April 15, 2019

Glad that the electors have for once shown great wisdom in picking @DineshKarthik… pant has all the time and all the years to gain experience… like pant also but kartik is a better keeper and a better suited batsman for conditions in England…what do u think @adarsh611
— gomish sharma (@mrmagicbox) April 15, 2019

#CWC19 #BCCI Excellent selection based on merit n experience.Sad for @RishabPant777 but @DineshKarthik deserved it.Wonder why quality like @ajinkyarahane88 wasn't in scheme of things?#SuperEcstatic on omission of @RayuduAmbati #LowLife #Loser #SeniorCitizenAssault2017 #Karma #FO
— Afreen-Mrs.Singh 😍💘💞💃🕺Not here for your likes (@sunceren25) April 15, 2019

Interesting fact.
What is the common link in 2007 and 2019 WC squad..@msdhoni and @DineshKarthik both were in team of 2007 world cup , both these player are part of #WC2019Squad
Cc @neeran
— Sandeep Ghanekar (@sandeepghanekar) April 15, 2019

Awesome Squad… In my opinion, too many allrounders so Pant instead of Vijay Shankar. Feeling good for Dinesh Karthik though. #BCCI #CWC19 💙 https://t.co/ZvCsSEWVJB
— Pranav Gadkari (@PranavGadkari) April 15, 2019