CWC 2019: Shikhar Dhawan's likely return date revealed by medical team to Team India management

Dhawan broke the thumb on his left hand against Australia at Oval.

Dhawan scored a sublime century against Australia | GettyTeam India experienced a big blow to their ICC World Cup 2019 campaign when left-handed opener Shikhar Dhawan was diagnosed with a fracture in his left thumb after the match against Australia at the Oval. India defeated Australia by 36 runs all thanks to Man of the Match Dhawan.

Dhawan scored his 17th ODI and 3rd World Cup century when he caressed 117 runs and with the help of 57 from Rohit, 82 from Virat and cameos from Hardik and Dhoni, helped India put on 352 runs on the board. Then Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah picked three wickets each, as, despite half-centuries from Warner, Smith, and Carey, the defending champions fell short of the target.

On Tuesday, India had opted to retain Dhawan and monitor his recovery rather than name an official replacement for him. He has already been ruled out of the two matches India are scheduled to play later this week: against New Zealand at Trent Bridge on Thursday, and against Pakistan at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Shikhar Dhawan traveled to Leeds to consult specialists, where the fracture was ascertained. The medical team, however, have given a positive signal to the team management and ESPNCricinfo.com reported that Dhawan is likely to be fit to play in the latter half of the tournament, closer to the June 30 match against hosts England.

In addition to not playing matches against New Zealand and Pakistan, Dhawan is also likely to miss the Afghanistan match, which will be played in Southampton on June 22 as well as the game against West Indies in Manchester on June 27.

It is understood that the selectors don't mind giving Dhawan extra time to recover and ideally want him fit for the England match, which has been built up as probably the biggest contest of the tournament.

(ESPNCricinfo.com inputs)

 
 

By Jatin Sharma - 12 Jun, 2019

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