Saeed Ajmal points out Indian selectors' mistake on 2019 World Cup squad

The Indian selectors opted to choose Dinesh Karthik ahead of Pant for the showpiece event.

(Web Desk) – Former Pakistani spinner Saeed Ajmal at King’s School Al-Barsha in Dubai on Friday said that Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant deserved to be picked for 2019 World Cup as a batsman.

“He has brought new life in the Indian team. Pant should have been picked as a batsman,” he said.

The Indian selectors opted to choose Dinesh Karthik ahead of Pant for the showpiece event.

The non-selection of Pant raised a furore in India as he can not only hit the long ball but also offers variety as a left-handed batsman. However, Indian selectors went with the experienced Dinesh Karthik as back-up wicketkeeper for veteran MS Dhoni while picking Vijay Shankar as the No4 batsman.

Ajmal said Pant has brought about a new energy in the Indian team and should have been picked for the 50-over tournament.

“India have a strong bench. Pant is a very good batsman. He has been batting very well in the IPL,” Ajmal said.

“He has brought new life in the Indian team. Pant should have been picked as a batsman. But the selectors must have spotted some weakness,” Ajmal said.

Ajmal, who picked hosts England and New Zealand as two dangerous teams at the World Cup, said Pakistan need to put in extra effort to defeat India in the much-awaited June 16 World Cup clash. The men in green have never defeated India in six World Cup games.

“I will never talk about the past, always look at the future. Ok, Pakistan haven’t beaten India before. They will need to put in extra effort as India are a very good team. Good luck to both teams,” he added.

Pant is currently playing for the Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he has scored 336 runs in 11 games, which includes two half-centuries, at an average of 37.33 and a strike-rate of 163.10.

India will begin their World Cup campaign against South Africa in Southampton on June 5.