NEW DELHI: Wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik Tuesday said he remained confident about his selection in India’s World Cup squad despite being dropped for the ODIs against Australia, attributing his inclusion to consistent performances over the past two years.
In an otherwise predictable squad, Karthik’s selection over the young Rishabh Pant became the talking point after the team was announced on Monday. Chief selector MSK Prasad said the more experienced Karthik was preferred over Pant because of his better wicket-keeping skills.
Now that the squad selection is over and done with, Karthik is a happy man and for the next one month, remains focused on captaining KKR in the IPL.
“I am very happy now but there is a tournament (IPL) to play. I would be lying if I say I was thinking about the selection too much. It was only on the morning of selection I was thinking about it. Being a leader of the team (KKR), I have been trying to help everybody and focus on the job at hand.”
It had seemed Pant was ahead in the race considering that the 21-year-old was picked for the ODIs against Australia, the last series for India before the World Cup. Karthik, who had done a decent job in Australia and New Zealand, was a bit shocked at not being picked for that home series but remained optimistic, having done “the best that he could” over the past two years.
“I was a little shocked after not being picked for the Australia series but I had I faith that you know if it is meant to be it is meant to be. Some things are not in your control and it is better if you don’t think about them. I stayed in best shape cricketing wise in that period.” (AGENCIES)
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