Former Indian skipper Sunil Gavaskar has opted for Dinesh Karthik ahead of young Delhi batsman Rishabh Pant in his squad for the upcoming ICC World Cup 2019, which will be held in England and Wales.
Gavaskar also preferred Karthik as his opening batsman instead of KL Rahul and Ajinkya Rahane. “There should be a flexibility in the team. Dinesh Karthik has opened in Test matches in the past so he can do it in ODIs too,” Gavaskar said.
When asked about his squad, Gavaskar said he had 13 names in his mind who would be most likely included in Team India’s World Cup squad.
“I have 13 names in my mind who will surely board the flight to England and they are Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ambati Rayudu, MS Dhoni, Kedar Jadhav, Hardik Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and Kuldeep Yadav,” Sunil Gavaskar was quoted as saying to Sports Tak.
Gavaskar also feels fast bowling all-rounder Vijay Shankar could also fly to England, while Umesh Yadav can be the fourth option as a pacer.
“I think Vijay Shankar can be the 14th player. Seeing the swinging conditions in England, India can play two fast bowling all-rounders. But I am not too very sure of the 15th player. Khaleel Ahmed, Mohammed Siraj have not been that impressive. Umesh Yadav can be an option and I think selectors must keep an eye on these three bowlers,” Gavaskar added.
Meanwhile, Dinesh Karthik has been dropped from India’s One Day International squad for the upcoming five-match ODI series against Australian. Delhi wicket-keeper batsman Rishabh Pant has replaced him in the Indian squad.
During Australia’s tour to India, the Men-in-Blue are slated to play two T20I matches followed by a five-match ODI series starting on February 24.