World Cup 2019: Selectors have picked strong side, says Shikhar Dhawan

The MSK Prasad-headed selection committee Monday named a 15-member squad, which will be led by Virat Kohli, with Rohit Sharma being his deputy

India opener Shikhar Dhawan Tuesday said the selectors have picked a ‘very strong side’ for the ICC World Cup starting May 30 in the United Kingdom. The MSK Prasad-headed selection committee Monday named a 15-member squad, which will be led by Virat Kohli, with Rohit Sharma being his deputy. Dinesh Karthik pipped Rishabh Pant in the fight for the second wicketkeeper's slot. “For the world cup we have a very good and a strong side and we are looking forward to the competition. We will perform really well once we get there,” Dhawan said. Talking about his IPL side Delhi Capitals, who are currently placed second on the points table with five wins from eight games, Dhawan said the experience of coach Ricky Ponting and advisor Sourav Ganguly is helping the side. “The support of the coaches Ricky Ponting and Sourav Ganguly... Their experience as a captain along with the belief they instil in us is great. At the same time the young boys in our team are also getting mature,” he said. The stylish opener missed out on his maiden century of the season when teammate Colin Ingram hit a six to give Capitals a seven-wicket victory, but Dhawan has no regrets. “I was not thinking of the century, it was more important to win the match. At that time it was important to hold on to my wicket and take the team over the line because we had lost a couple of matches from a winning position,” said Dhawan.