World Cup: Dream come true for me, says Dinesh Karthik
The BCCI announced Team India's 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC World Cup 2019 on Monday. India go in as one of the favorites, as they would start their campaign on June 5 against South Africa. The national selectors picked up the experienced wicket-keeper batsman Dinesh Karthik over the youngster Rishabh Pant. Here is what Karthik had to say on his selection.
'Really wanted to be a part of this team'
"I am very excited. It has been a dream for me to be a part of this team for a long time now. As a team, we have done some special things and I have been through that journey," Dinesh Karthik told KKR's official site.
Selectors made a bold move by selecting DK
For months, who would get selected between Pant and DK was one of the most discussed points among Indian cricket fans. Former cricketers, pundits and fans all took to social media to tell their choice as several legends had backed Pant. The debate is set to continue on whether the selectors made the right choice. But for now the focus will be on DK.
DK's selection the right choice: Our take
We feel that by picking DK, the selectors have made the right move. In the last 12 months, DK has transformed himself into a mature finisher. His experience played an important role in him getting selected. Pant was handed a big opportunity in the ODIs against Australia in March, but he couldn't perform against a world-class bowling squad.
A look at Karthik's ODI career and more
DK has featured in 91 ODIs for India. The senior cricketer has amassed 1,738 runs at an average of 31.03. Since 2017, Karthik has played 20 ODIs for India, as he helped India to win several close matches. His most memorable performance, in recent times, was against Bangladesh in Nidahas trophy. DK could come in at number five or six in the World Cup.
BCCI announces India's 15-member squad
India's 15-member squad: Virat Kohli (captain), Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan, MS Dhoni (wicket-keeper), Dinesh Karthik, Kedar Jadhav, Vijay Shankar, Ravindra Jadeja, Hardik Pandya, Mohammed Shami, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav.
