IND vs AUS: MSK Prasad describes why Pant chosen over Karthik in ODIs

India are set to host Australia for a 2-match T20I followed by 5-match ODI series beginning from February 24

Young Rishabh Pant on Friday took a massive leap to cherish his World Cup dream as he replaced veteran Dinesh Karthik in the 15-member ODI squad for the Australia series. On Friday, the selectors announced two different teams for the first two and last three ODIs. Since then, it’s being speculated that the side that is expected to travel to England will be the one for the last three games of the series.

However, chief selector MSK Prasad has already cleared the air on choosing Pant over Karthik in the ODIs. He asserted 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.

Here's the video:

"We want to give enough chances to Pant before the World Cup" - MSK Prasad #TeamIndia #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/o13jma3yuE

— BCCI (@BCCI) February 15, 2019

Prasad’s move to try out Pant before locking the final-15 for World Cup in England means India won't go to the World Cup with three keepers. It'll be either Pant or Karthik. As of now, Pant has the edge because of being a lefty as MSK Prasad pointed out earlier. The upcoming 5 ODIs will give a clearer idea.

India are set to host Australia for a 2-match T20I followed by 5-match ODI series beginning from February 24 in Vishakhapatnam.

India's squad for 1st and 2nd ODI against Australia:

Virat Kohli (c), Rohit Sharma (VC), Shikhar Dhawan, Ambati Rayudu, Kedar Jadhav, Mahendra Singh Dhoni (WK), Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohamed Shami, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Vijay Shankar, Rishabh Pant, Siddharth Kaul, KL Rahul

India's squad for remaining three ODIs:

Virat Kohli (c), Rohit Sharma (vc), Shikhar Dhawan, Ambati Rayudu, Kedar Jadhav, Mahendra Singh Dhoni (WK), Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Vijay Shankar, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant