Shikhar Dhawan was on Wednesday ruled out of the remainder of the World Cup. The opener suffered an injury during their match against Australia at The Oval on June 9 and had been diagnosed with a hairline fracture.
Rishabh Pant, who was rushed in as cover by the BCCI two days after Dhawan suffered the blow, is Dhawan’s replacement.
The International Cricket Council has confirmed that the event technical committee has approved Pant as a replacement for Dhawan.
The wicketkeeper-batsman trained with the Indian squad in Manchester ahead of the Pakistan match and was also seen carrying drinks on to the field. The 33-year-old opener was initially ruled out of three games — against Pakistan, Afghanistan and West Indies.
“Shikhar Dhawan has fractured the base of the first metacarpal on his left hand. His hand will remain in cast till mid July which rules him out of the ICC 2019 World Cup,” team’s administrative manager Sunil Subramanium said at a press conference in Southampton.
Dhawan was present in Southampton on Wednesday during the training session, with his left hand wrapped in a bandage.
“I feel emotional to announce that I will no longer be a part of #CWC19. Unfortunately, the thumb won’t recover on time. But the show must go on... I’m grateful for all the love & support from my team mates, cricket lovers & our entire nation. Jai Hind,” tweeted the India opener.
He also posted an emotional video on his Twitter handle.
“I want to show my love and gratitude for the prayers that you have been showering on me... Unfortunately my thumb won’t recover in time.
“Really wanted to help my country in the World Cup... Time to go back and recover for the next opportunity...
“The boys are doing a great job and I am sure they will win the World Cup... Keep praying for us and supporting us.... Your support and prayers are very important... Thank you all for the support,” he said in the video.
The injury took place when he was hit by a Pat Cummins delivery in India’s second match of the World Cup. Dhawan played through pain during his century, which earned him the Man of the Match award. India won by 36 runs. However, he did not field during the Australia innings with Ravindra Jadeja coming in as a substitute.
He travelled to Leeds on reaching Nottingham to seek an expert opinion on the injury. The Indian selectors opted to take time and not name a replacement immediately following a positive appraisal from the team’s physio Patrick Farhart.
Dhawan was India’s top scorer in 2013 and 2017 Champions Trophy and the 2015 World Cup.