ICC World Cup 2019: Shikhar Dhawan ruled out of tournament for three weeks, to remain under observation in England

India opening batsman Shikhar Dhawan was ruled out of the tournament due to thumb fracture.

Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan was on Tuesday ruled out of the ongoing World Cup tournament for three weeks due to a thumb fracture. The left-handed batsman, who scored 117 off 109 balls against Australia and helped India to a massive total of 352 on the board, went through precautionary scans on Tuesday to determine the extent of injury on his swollen left thumb. (COMPLETE COVERAGE OF ICC CRICKET WORLD CUP)

India's Shikhar Dhawan (2L) receives medical treatment after being hit on the hand with a ball whilst batting during the 2019 Cricket World Cup group stage match between India and Australia at The Oval.(AFP)

During the course of his innings, the 33-year-old looked in considerable pain after being hit by a rising delivery from Pat Cummins. Dhawan, then, did not come out on the field at the end of India’s innings and Ravindra Jadeja fielded for the entire span of 50 overs.

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Due to the injury, Dhawan is expected to miss out India’s upcoming fixtures against New Zealand, Pakistan, Afghanistan, West Indies and England - which are all scheduled to be played in June.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) gave an update on Dhawan’s injury and their social media post read: “Team India opening batsman Mr Shikhar Dhawan is presently under the observation of the BCCI medical team. The team management has decided that Mr Dhawan will continue to be in England and his progress will be monitored.” 

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In Dhawan’s absence, India are likely to open the innings with Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul, which would mean the Virat Kohli-led side would have to, once again, make a decision on the number four slot, which was, at the moment, filled by Rahul.

Designated standbys Rishabh Pant and Ambati Rayudu are in contention to replace Dhawan. However, according to reports, the team management might also push for Mumbai batsman and India A captain Shreyas Iyer as he is a specialist No.4 batsman. Iyer is currently in England.