Heart goes out to players who missed it, Ravi Shastri says.

By leaving out young wicketkeeper batsman Rishabh Pant, the national selectors sprang up a surprise. Instead, after MS Dhoni, Dinesh Karthik was named the wicketkeeping option of second choice.

As Vijay Shankar pipped the 33-year-old because of his “three-dimensional” qualities, Ambati Rayudu also failed to make it to the squad.

India’s head coach Ravi Shastri admitted that out of the World Cup-bound squad were left a few capable players and empathized with those who couldn’t get the seat.

“We can very well imagine there’s more than an opinion in place that some capable guys have missed out. Heart goes out to them,” Ravi Shastri told the Times of India.

“Picking 15 from an immensely talented pool is never easy. I’d say to these guys: Keep going the way you have. Be prepared, in case there’s an unforeseen requirement that pops up. But, what the selectors have zeroed in on: I’ll say, it’s the best combination that’s been put in place after factoring in all aspects.”

The World Cup teams will be able to change players for the 2019 World Cup until May 23 without ICC permission. The World Cup begins on May 30 and on June 5, India will launch its campaign against South Africa.