Shikhar Dhawan, Mumbai Indians' batsman, is virtually out of the Indian Premier League (IPL) owing to an injured finger. That's the buzz emanating from the National Cricket Academy (NCA), but the Mumbai Indians' officials assert that the left-hander would be available.
Dhawan, who was traded by Delhi Daredevils for Ashish Nehra, fractured his middle finger while attempting a catch during the Vijay Hazare tournament in Agartala in February. NCA physio Paul Close, advised him to take rest for three weeks with stack splint applied to the finger. The stack splint, it is learnt, could be removed on April 13, five days before the start of the IPL. He has been advised a rehabilitation programme of one to two weeks after the stack splint is removed before returning to action.
Dhawan could not be contacted despite repeated efforts.
Meanwhile, Manpreet Goni has been declared fit by the NCA.