World Cup 2019: Shikhar Dhawan has a fractured thumb. World Cup journey could be over
HIGHLIGHTS
Dhawan was hit by a bouncer during India-Australia clash in London on Sunday
Dhawan hasn't travelled with the team to Nottingham where India play New Zealand on Thursday
The left-hander scored 117 off 109 balls during the match against Australia
NEW DELHI: In a major blow to the Indian team, opener
, on Tuesday was ruled out for about two to three weeks, according to reports with a left thumb fracture. Dhawan, who was part of the playing XI during India’s clash against Australia, was hit by a bouncer in the first innings.
Dhawan however continued to play with the injury and scored 117 off 109 balls in a winning cause.
The left-hander did not field at all during Australia’s run chase and was seen in the dressing room with an ice-pack on his left thumb.
Scans on Monday revealed a fracture. Shikhar hasn't travelled with the team to Nottingham where India play New Zealand on Thursday.
Since it's a big injury India will in all probability be allowed a replacement player. According to reports
and Shreyas Iyer could be the front-runners as replacement players.
A BCCI source told PTI that Dhawan has sustained a fracture and it might take a month for him to fully recover. The World Cup, which started May 30, ends on July 14.
Speaking after the game, the Dhawan had said: "We are happy with the result as it was a great team effort. It's a great sign for our team and I'm happy with this man of the match award. We are very happy with the performance overall."
In the light of this new development, KL Rahul is likely to open the innings with Rohit Sharma. The big question is who will bat for India at no.4 now? Will Vijay Shankar, India's designated no.4 before the tournament began, bat at no. 4 now or will it be the player who replaces Shikhar in the squad, if indeed a replacement player is sent from India.
For the upcoming match against New Zealand, India in all probability will have to find a replacement from the existing squad.
