Vijay Shankar, Dinesh Karthik included in India World Cup squad

Call it a surprise: Tamilnadu’s Dinesh Karthik and Vijay Shankar  have been included in the 15-member squad for the World Cup to be played in England this June.

Addressing mediapersons, chairman of selectors, M S K Prasad, said today, “K L Rahul has been included as third opener. DK will play only if Dhoni is injured.”

He said, “What was discussed was Vijay Shankar will bat at No. 4.”

On Karthik’s selection, he said, “We have seen Karthik finish matches under pressure and that is what went in his favour.”

About Vijay Shankar being preferred over Rayudu, he said, “After the Champions Trophy, we tried quite a few people [at No. 4]. We gave a few more chances to Rayudu. What Vijay Shankar brings is three-dimensional.”