I was a little shocked after not being picked for Australia series: Karthik

Wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik Tuesday said he remained confident about his selection in India’s World Cup squad despite being dropped for the ODIs against Australia, attributing his inclusion to consistent performances over the past two years.In an otherwise predictable squad, Karthik’s selection over the young Rishabh Pant became the talking point after the team was announced on Monday. Chief selector MSK Prasad said the more experienced Karthik was preferred over Pant because of his better wicket-keeping skills.Now that the squad selection is over and done with, Karthik is a happy man and for the next one month, remains focused on captaining KKR in the IPL.”I am very happy now but there is a tournament (IPL) to play. I would be lying if I say I was thinking about the selection too much. It was only on the morning of selection I was thinking about it. Being a leader of the team (KKR), I have been trying to help everybody and focus on the job at hand.”
It had seemed Pant was ahead in the race considering that the 21-year-old was picked for the ODIs against Australia, the last series for India before the World Cup. Karthik, who had done a decent job in Australia and New Zealand, was a bit shocked at not being picked for that home series but remained optimistic, having done “the best that he could” over the past two years.”I was a little shocked after not being picked for the Australia series but I had I faith that you know if it is meant to be it is meant to be. Some things are not in your control and it is better if you don’t think about them. I stayed in best shape cricketing wise in that period.”
The selectors did not speak to him before announcing the squad for the Australia series but Karthik said the five wise men had made things clear long ago.
“There was no interaction with the selectors just before team (for Australia ODIs) was announced. But much before that they made it clear that they wanted to give me ample opportunities and also to the others who were competing for the same spot. That was communicated well in advance and we were all aware of it,” said the 33-year-old, who has made the World Cup team for the first time since 2007.
While KKR coach and South African great Jacques Kallis backed Karthik to make the World Cup squad, the likes of Ricky Ponting and Sourav Ganguly threw their weight behind their star player Pant, who plays for Delhi Capitals in the IPL.
Since the IPL performances were not considered, Karthik said he could only get into the team on the basis of his performances for India.