The Indian selection committee left some of the cricket fanatics mystified with the announcement of the 15-man squad for the upcoming ODI series against Australia. They sprung a huge surprise by inducting young stumper Rishabh Pant over Dinesh Karthik.
Following Karthik’s sudden snub from ODIs, cricketer-turned-commentator Sanjay Manjrekar feels it is the end of the road for Karthik in ODIs.
“His fans will feel sorry because with the opportunity he has got, he has done as well as he could but I feel with this selection or non-selection of Karthik, India have told everyone that we look at Karthik as a T20 batsman and his 50-over future is over as far as we are concerned,” said Manjrekar.
“He has done well in the opportunities he has got, but he has been around for a long time and the selectors are thinking just like me – World Cup, big stage, big match, 50-overs cricket, Dinesh Karthik.
He has mostly played the role of a finisher. So this is where the numbers are disregarded by the selectors, the captain, the management and they are thinking temperamentally so far what we have seen of Karthik, is he someone who will excite us a 50-overs cricket at World Cup and they have said no and I don’t grudge them for that,” he added.
However, chief selector MSK Prasad has already stated that the committee wants to give enough chances to the youngster before the mega event.
“Prior to this [Australia series], we had two series – in New Zealand and Australia where Karthik was chosen. Since Rishabh played four Test matches, so we wanted him to get a good break. Then he played against England Lions where he did extremely well. Then we sent him to play 3 T20Is. So, we want to give him a few ODIs to play before taking the final call,” said Prasad.
Karthik now will be looking to impress in the upcoming Indian Premier League and solidify his chances.