India To Keep Shikhar Dhawan Under Observation, No Replacement To Be Called

Team India have decided to adapt wait and see approach with their star opener Shikhar Dhawan. Media reports suggested that Dhawan is out of the World Cup after suffering a thumb injury during the game against Australia on Sunday,

Dhawan was hit on his left thumb by a delivery from Nathan Coulter-Nile early in his innings and needed medical attention. Dhawan was clearly struggling after receiving the blow but had gone on to score a sublime ton. He was eventually out after scoring 117 off 109 balls. He, however, had not come out to field in the second innings with Ravindra Jadeja replacing him. Reports then suggested that Dhawan is out of the competition with Rishabh Pant on his way to England.

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However, according to Cricbuzz, the BCCI has decided to wait and watch how does things go. The report claimed that Dhawan will remain under observation with the Indian team. Consequently, no replacements would be called for now. Dhawan, however, is likely to miss the next game against New Zealand on Thursday.

India will definitely be desperate to see Dhawan recovering as quickly as possible. Dhawan is not only in good form at the moment but has also a fantastic track record in the ICC tournaments. Dhawan was the top score in the last two Champions Trophy held in England. He was also India’s top run-scorer at the last World Cup.

Also Read: With Shikhar Dhawan Out, Here Is How India Could Line Up In The World Cup

With Dhawan now sidelined, KL Rahul is looking primed to open alongside Rohit Sharma. The incumbent Virat Kohli will bat at number three. The number fourth spot is the one which will give the team-management all sorts of headache. In the first two games, Rahul had batted at number four. For the upcoming game,  one among Vijay Shankar or Dinesh Karthik will take that spot. Barring this one change, one does not see any other change to India’s playing eleven.

Team India have played the first two games with the same playing eleven and have won both of them. In their last outing, they had defeated Australia by 36 runs to prove their title credentials. The Men in Blue will be eyeing a similar performance against New Zealand.