ICC CWC 2019: I would have been in a similar situation like Pant, says Dinesh Karthik

Debasis Sen, Kolkata: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) Captain Dinesh Karthik on Monday said, he would’ve been in a similar situation as Risabh Pant had he missed the flight to England. The selectors on Monday preferred the experienced Karthik over a young Pant.

“Every selection that takes place there’ll always going to be a few people who will miss out. That’s how the game is. You cannot move away from it. It is not in my jurisdiction to think who has missed, my opportunity is here for me to do well and I am going to do it,” said Karthik in an interaction with media at team hotel.

There was speculation that Pant might pip Karthik for the second wicket-keeper’s slot. As it turned out, the 21 year old keeper from Delhi failed to find favour with the selectors.

According to Karthik, “Risabh Pant is a special player. He will go on to play for India for a long time. The Pant’s (Risabh), Gill’s (Shubhman), Shaw’s (Prithvi) are all special players and you can see in IPL how well they are doing. I know I will be sharing the journey with Risabh Pant post the World Cup. We have already played a lot of matches together and I enjoy spending a lot of time with him (Pant), He is a lovely guy, somebody who is very positive. He has also got good energy and I don’t see any reason why he and I can’t play together like I and Dhoni have played.”

It goes without saying that the Delhi wicket-keeper/batsman will be upset about his exclusion in the World Cup squad. The Tamil Nadu wicketkeeper suggested Pant to leave aside the disappointment and move on.

“I would have been disappointed as well had I not been picked. I am sure he will be a little disappointed and that’s how life is. These things happen in the life of a cricketer,” said Karthik.

The KKR captain was a bit nervous yesterday ahead of the selection committee meeting. He was having lunch with wife Dipika and KKR CEO Venky Mysore as the selection meeting was in progress. The good news was shared by his father-in-law.

“I wasn’t thinking too much leading up to the selection meeting. Obviously I had a game to play against CSK (Chennai Super Kings) and leading the team as well. I was preoccupied a lot but yes on the day of selection I was a bit nervous,” said the 31 year old.

The selection committee chairman MSK Prasad reiterated that Karthik’s opportunity will only arise if Dhoni gets injured. But the Tamil Nadu cricketer is confident of doing well as a batsman if given an opportunity.

“Obviously if Dhoni gets injured then there comes an opportunity for me as a keeper- batsman. I know I have the ability to play as batsman as well and will be preparing for that situation,” signed off DK.