Dinesh Karthik will come into the playing XI in case of an injury to MS Dhoni, says MSK Prasad

After a lot of deliberations, the senior selection committee zeroed in with Karthik for the back-up wicket-keeper’s position and opted to leave Rishabh Pant out. Justifying the selection, the chairman of the national selection committee MSK Prasad stated that it was more about the wicket-keeping prowess rather than batting served as the criteria for this particular spot. He also stated that the keeper is not going to be an automatic selection in the playing XI and will only come into effect if MS Dhoni suffers any injury.

"Wicketkeeping also matters. That is the reason why we went with Dinesh Karthik otherwise Rishabh Pant was also there. Karthik is just a back-up for Mahi, and will come into the team if Mahi suffers any injury,” MSK Prasad said in the team announcement conference in Mumbai.

While Virat Kohli and Ravi Shastri backed Ambati Rayudu for the crucial No.4 position after last year’s IPL, his regular underperformance has resulted in the Hyderabad batsman facing the sack in favour of KL Rahul and Vijay Shankar’s versatility.

"After the Champions Trophy, we have tried quite a few middle-order batsmen, which also included Karthik, Shreyas Iyer, Manish Pandey. We did give a few more chances to Rayudu but Vijay Shankar gives three dimensions. He can bat, if the conditions are overcast he can bowl, plus he is a fielder. We are looking at Vijay Shankar as a No. 4. Now we have plenty of options for that slot.” 

On being asked about Rahul’s role in the side, Prasad said, "To begin with, he will only be a reserve opener, but if the team management needs, he can bat in the middle order too."