There have been a lot of speculations regarding Shikhar Dhawan’s replacement in India’s World Cup squad after it was reported on Tuesday (June 11) that the left-handed opener may miss three weeks of action due to a thumb injury.

Amid the whisper, a report published in PTI claims that Rishabh Pant will be joining the Indian team as cover for Dhawan. Report also suggests Pant’s arrival in England will be a day before India's game against New Zealand on Thursday (June 13) and he won't be considered a replacement till the time the team management takes a final call on Dhawan's availability for the rest of the tournament.

"Rishabh Pant is being flown in from India as cover at the request of the team management," a senior BCCI official currently in England told PTI.

Pant, 21, is widely regarded as one of the most exciting talents in Indian cricket currently. He was in stellar form during the recently held Indian Premier League for Delhi Capitals.

Several former players such as Sunil Gavaskar and Kevin Pietersen have batted for Rishabh’s inclusion in the squad if Dhawan fails to recover quickly enough for India. 

In a statement released on Tuesday evening, BCCI said: "Team India opening batsman Dhawan is presently under the observation of the BCCI medical team. The team management has decided that Dhawan will continue to be in England and his progress will be monitored.

"Dhawan sustained an injury on the back of his left hand in the region between the index finger and thumb during the league match against Australia on Sunday."

(With PTI inputs)