Shikhar Dhawan ruled out of ICC World Cup 2019
What's the story
Injured Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan has been ruled out of the ICC World Cup 2019. The southpaw, who had injured his thumb earlier against Australia in the World Cup, was under observation. But the management confirmed that he won't be able to recover in time. India had earlier called up Rishabh Pant to the squad as his cover. Here is more.
Replacement
Dhawan suffered fractured thumb against Australia, Pant replaces him
Earlier, it was reported that the Men in Blue will be without the services of Dhawan for three weeks. He had suffered the thumb fracture against Australia after a rising Pat Cummins delivery struck him. The management wanted to back Dhawan and didn't announce his replacement all this while. Unfortunately, Dhawan's injury will take time and Pant will replace him.
Twitter Post
Latest update on Dhawan!
Team India Manager Sunil Subramaniam: Shikhar Dhawan has a fracture at the base of the first metacarpal of his left hand. He will remain in cast until mid-July which rules him out of ICC World Cup. We have requested Rishab Pant as the replacement. pic.twitter.com/unWcLphsWO
— ANI (@ANI) June 19, 2019
Situation
Onus now on Rahul to prove his worth
Dhawan is one of the most key players of this Indian side and he will be missed dearly. Against Australia, Dhawan had smashed his sixth century in ICC tournaments and a third in World Cup. The onus will be on KL Rahul to take responsibility as an opener. Notably, against Pakistan, Rahul had hit a half-century after batting atop with Rohit Sharma.
Pant
Pant will need to be ready when called upon
Pant, who has been training with the Indian team since his arrival, will need to be ready when called upon. He was on the stand-by list as he was selected ahead of middle-order batsman Ambati Rayudu. The youngster has been selected because of his versatility and ability to finish off matches. He adds that extra bit in this Indian team.
Approach
With Shankar looking good, India may prefer a settled approach
India shifted Rahul up the order against Pakistan and he grabbed his chance. They also selected Vijay Shankar in the line-up and backed him at number four. Shankar had a decent outing and picked two crucial wickets. India will choose this combination now as it gives them more balance. Alongside the two premier pacers, India can utilize both Hardik Pandya and Shankar as well.
Twitter Post
BCCI wishes Dhawan a speedy recovery
Official Announcement 🚨🚨 - @SDhawan25 ruled out of the World Cup. We wish him a speedy recovery #TeamIndia #CWC19 pic.twitter.com/jdmEvt52qS
— BCCI (@BCCI) June 19, 2019
Information
Dhawan will look to return against West Indies
Dhawan, who will remain in a cast until the middle of July, would be looking to make a return to the squad that will face West Indies in August. India will open their tour of West Indies with a three-match T20I series.