ICC World Cup 2019: India Have Got Enough Depth To Cover Shikhar Dhawan - Michael Hussey

Former Australia talisman batsman Michael Hussey believes Shikhar Dhawan’s loss will not derail India’s World Cup campaign. Hussey who is famously known as Mr Cricket stated that India has got enough depth in their squad to cover for Shikhar Dhawan. The southpaw batsman has been replaced by Rishabh Pant.

Meanwhile, KL Rahul had opened with Rohit Sharma in the previous match against Pakistan. The Indian openers had added 136 runs for the opening partnership and Rahul had scored a fine knock of 57 runs. Subsequently, Vijay Shankar was drafted into the playing XI.

The World Cup debutant had a dream start as he picked up the wicket of Imam-ul-Haq on his first ball. Vijay Shankar scalped two wickets and also took a catch to fill in for Shikhar Dhawan.

Shikhar Dhawan is a big loss.

Michael Hussey said that it is a big loss for Indian team however, they have the skills to fill in the big shoes of Dhawan. The southpaw has had a miraculous record in the major ICC events.

“I do think it’s a big loss but I don’t think it will derail India’s campaign. But, I think they have got enough depth to cover Shikhar Dhawan,” Hussey said in an ESPNcricinfo show. “I still think they have got enough talent in their squad to feel that they can go all the way in this tournament,” he added.

Meanwhile, it was expected that Shikhar Dhawan will recover before the semi-final stages. However, Dhawan could not recuperate on time and he will now go back to India. Team manager Sunil Subramaniam had addressed the press after Dhawan was ruled out for the entire tournament.

Rishabh Pant has replaced Dhawan.

“Shikhar has a fracture at the base of his first metacarpal on his left hand,” team manager Sunil Subramanian had told reporters in Southampton on Wednesday.

“Following several specialist opinions, he will remain in a cast until mid-July, which rules him out of the ICC World Cup 2019.”

Shikhar Dhawan was hit on his left-hand thumb by a quick delivery from Pat Cummins when he was on 24. He kept on batting and scored a fine knock of 117 runs to help India set a match-winning total.

India will play their next match against Afghanistan at Rose Bowl, Southampton on 22nd June.