Shikhar Dhawan out of Cricket World Cup 2019 with thumb fracture, Rishabh Pant to replace him

BIRMINGHAM: In a major blow to Team India, opener Shikhar Dhawan has been ruled out of the Cricket World Cup 2019 after failing to recover from the thumb fracture sustained against Australia earlier in the tournament. Dhawan was diagnosed with a fracture of the first metacarpal on his left hand after he was hit by a ball from Pat Cummins during his century at The Oval on June 9 with the team management declaring that he was out of action for at least three weeks.

The BCCI on Wednesday confirmed that several orthopedic doctors have confirmed that Dhawan’s left hand thumb will remain in a cast until the middle of July and therefore the southpaw will not be able to play for India in the remaining World Cup matches.

“Shikhar Dhawan has been diagnosed with a fracture of the first metacarpal on his left hand following a ball impact injury during the team’s first match versus Australia at the Oval on 5th June 2019. Following several specialist opinions, he will remain in a cast until the middle of July and therefore will not be available for the remainder of #CWC19,” the BCCI tweeted.

Addressing a press conference, Indian team manager Sunil Subramaniam said that a request has been put up by the BCCI to the World Cup technical committee to allow Rishabh Pant as the replacement for Dhawan in India’s squad of 15. It is to be noted that Pant was linked up with the Indian team after being called up as cover for the left-handed opener.

India next play Afghanistan in Southampton on June 22.