Dhawan diagnosed with hairline fracture, Pant to fly in as cover

In a big blow to the Indian cricket team, opener Shikhar Dhawan has been ruled out of the ongoing 2019 ICC World Cup for at least a week due to a fractured thumb.

Dhawan was hit on his thumb by a rising delivery from Nathan Coulter-Nile during Sunday’s clash against Australia. He played through the pain and subsequently went on to score a match-winning 117.

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The star batsman underwent a scan on Monday where it was revealed that he has a hairline fracture in the left thumb.

As per the BCCI, he is currently being kept under observation by the medical team.

Team India opening batsman Mr Shikhar Dhawan is presently under the observation of the BCCI medical team. The team management has decided that Mr Dhawan will continue to be in England and his progress will be monitored. #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/8f1RelCsXf

— BCCI (@BCCI) June 11, 2019

Dhawan will miss India’s next two matches against New Zealand on Thursday and the big clash against Pakistan on Sunday. 

Also Read: 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup Schedule

Reports indicate that Rishabh Pant will be flying to England as cover for Dhawan. However, no official replacement has been named as the team are likely hoping that the opener will recover in time for the match against Afghanistan on June 22. The BCCI will not be in a hurry to name a replacement because as per ICC rules, once a player has been replaced he cannot be recalled.