India vs Australia, 2nd ODI: Shikhar Dhawan Out Of Remainder Of Match After Being Hit On Rib-Cage

For the second game in a row, India lost one of their players to injury before coming out to field as Shikhar Dhawan could not take the field in the ongoing second ODI against Australia in Rajkot. In the series-opener, it was Rishabh Pant who could not keep the wickets after being hit on the head by a bouncer from Pat Cummins.

KL Rahul had to don the wicketkeeping gloves in Pant’s absence. Later, the wicketkeeper was ruled out of the ongoing game and is currently at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) for a rehabilitation programme. Incidentally, it was Pat Cummins’ delivery that did the damage again and injured Shikhar Dhawan. The incident occurred in the tenth over of India’s innings.

Also Read: India vs Australia, 2nd ODI: Twitter Goes Berserk As KL Rahul Powers Hosts To Mammoth Total In Rajkot

On the second ball of the over, Pat Cummins bowled a short delivery, making Dhawan play a pull shot. However, the extra bounce did not let the India opener play the shot and the ball after hitting his elbow deflected onto the rib-cage. He was soon seen holding his chest while crossing for a single. The physio had to come out to check on Shikhar Dhawan and fortunately the batsman managed to continue.

He was batting on just 26 at that time and went on to top-score for the hosts in the do-or-die, scoring 96. However, he could not come out to field and was replaced by Yuzvendra Chahal. The BCCI delivered the update as soon as Australia’s innings started:

“Shikhar Dhawan got hit on the rib-cage on his right side. He will not be taking the field today. Yuzvendra Chahal is in as his substitute,” stated the BCCI.

Update: Shikhar Dhawan got hit on the rib-cage on his right side. He will not be taking the field today. Yuzvendra Chahal is in as his substitute. #TeamIndia #INDvAUS

— BCCI (@BCCI) January 17, 2020

India, meanwhile, finished their innings on a mammoth total of 340 for 6. After Dhawan and Virat Kohli (78) laid the foundation, KL Rahul provided the finishing touch by blasting 80 off just 52 balls.