ICC CRICKET WORLD CUP 2019

Dhawan ruled out of World Cup, Pant named replacement

by Cricbuzz Staff • Last updated on

India opener had been hit on the left thumb during his century against Australia. © Getty

Shikhar Dhawan, the Indian opener, has been ruled out of the remainder of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 owing to a fractured thumb he sustained during the match against Australia, it was confirmed on Wednesday (June 19). Rishabh Pant, who was flown in as a standby last week, was added to the India squad as a replacement following approval from the ICC later in the day.

The 33-year-old opener who had scans on his left thumb in Leeds, remained with the Indian side as per the management's decision while being under the observation of the BCCI medical team. However, with his injury needing a longer recovery time, he won't take further part in the tournament.

"Following several specialist opinions, he'll be in a cast till mid-July and is ruled out of the World Cup. Dhawan's fracture is at the base of the first metacarpal on his left hand," Sunil Subramaniam, India's team manager, said. "We've requested for Rishabh Pant as a replacement."

Dhawan sustained the injury during India's second World Cup game, struck by a rising bouncer from Pat Cummins. Although he managed a century in that match, he was seen receiving treatment from physio Patrick Farhart on the same day, and didn't come out to field in the second innings. He was later spotted in the dressing room with an ice pack over his thumb.

In Dhawan's absence, KL Rahul had opened in the game against Pakistan and is set to continue in that role with the left-hander's campaign coming to an abrupt end. It remains to be seen what role Pant would play in this World Cup, with India having gone for Vijay Shankar in the previous game.

Earlier, Pant - who also auditioned amongst others as a potential No. 4 for India - had narrowly missed out on a World Cup berth to Dinesh Karthik when India's 15-man contingent was formally announced in late April, with the selectors showing a preference for the senior's superior wicket-keeping skills.

*Story updated after ICC's approval of Rishabh Pant as replacement

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