Shikhar Dhawan will remain under observation with the Indian team in England and no replacement is being prepared to be named after the opener injured his thumb in the World Cup win over Australia on Sunday, the team management confirmed.
Dhawan was hit on his left thumb by a bouncer from Pat Cummins as Virat Kohli opted to bat first against the defending champions after winning the toss. The Indian opener played through the pain to score a fine century that set up India’s 36-run win.
On Tuesday, media reports started doing rounds that Dhawan was set to be ruled out of the tournament but the official word on the left-handed batsman suggests that he will be given a chance to recover.
“Team India opening batsman Shikhar Dhawan is presently under the observation of the BCCI medical team. The team management has decided that Dhawan will continue to be in England and his progress will be monitored,” Indian team media manager Moulin Parikh was quoted as saying by PTI.
“Dhawan sustained an injury on the back of his left hand in the region between the index finger and thumb during the CWC 2019 league match against Australia.”
However, it is certain Dhawan will miss India’s next match against New Zealand and perhaps even the one against Pakistan on Sunday.
“As of now, no replacement is being sought. The team management believes that Shikhar is a match winner and should be given every chance to get fit. In fact, his treatment and recovery can happen faster here and team expects him to be back in action,” a senior BCCI official was quoted as saying.
“The team management never asked for replacements. I don’t know from where the news of Rishabh Pant joining the squad was making rounds. It was speculation by the media.”
The 2019 World Cup has adopted a round-robin format where each team plays every other. Thus the league stage will continue till July 7 before the semi-finals begin.
Dhawan has time on his hands to regain fitness and play a part in the latter stages of the tournament. India have won both their opening matches so far.
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