Rishabh Pant has been performing well for India in the longest format, having scored Test centuries in England and Australia. He was seen as a strong contender of being the backup wicket-keeper in India’s World Cup squad with MS Dhoni being the primary keeper.

However, the selectors surprisingly picked the experienced Dinesh Karthik over Pant. Ricky Ponting, who is head coach of Delhi Capitals (DC), as well as batting legend Sunil Gavaskar, felt that it was a mistake to leave out the 21-year-old from the World Cup squad.

As a player, Pant must have felt disappointed after being snubbed but he has to focus on his job at hand, which is contributing to the DC team in the ongoing IPL.

“I was disappointed. Obviously, because every player dreams of representing India and playing a World Cup for the country is even more special. I was disappointed but as a cricketer and as a professional, I know that there's no point in being disappointed. I try to move on. I am focused on performing in the opportunities that I get. That's about it,” Pant told India Today.

He further added, “World Cup selection, as I said, was disappointing. But if I keep thinking about it and don't try to improve and move on, it makes things more difficult for me. I am seeing the positive side. I am looking at what can be done now. I have a few IPL matches remaining. I am looking to perform in those matches. Only if you perform well, as a person, you can be confident.”

A lot of fans and ‘pundits’ have been criticizing Pant for his immature batting in some matches lately. He wants to improve his batting by taking suggestions from the people he believes in.

He said, “If people are criticizing me, I tell them to come forward and help me. A lot of people have directly told me where I needed to improve. I have taken most of their suggestions. However, as a player, I don't try to focus on what people are saying from the outside. I have trust in my game.”

(With inputs from India Today)