Injured Shikhar Dhawan to be replaced by Rishabh Pant in the ongoing ICC World Cup

Old Trafford : Opener Shikhar Dhawan has been ruled out of Team India’s ICC World Cup campaign due to the thumb injury sustained during the match against Australia.

Rishabh Pant, who was added as a cover for the southpaw and is currently in England with the team has been named as the official replacement in the squad.

The Indian opener got injured during India’s group stage match against Australia when a Pat Cummins delivery hit his thumb. The southpaw continued to bat and went on to slam a majestic ton but after the end of the match, it was revealed that Dhawan had been ruled out of the tournament for 10-12 days.

“As far as Shikhar is concerned, we are observing him and it will take some time, around 10 or 12 days to figure out where he stands. We will be in a better position to take a call then because we don’t want to rule out a precious player like Shikhar, straight at the time of the injury,” batting coach Sanjay Bangar had said on the eve of India’s clash against New Zealand.

Rishabh pant, who was not included in India’s initial World Cup squad, comes in as a replacement. He along with Ambati Rayudu were named as standbys when the squad was announced.