Shikhar Dhawan got injured during India’s encounter against the Aussies on June 9. His fractured thumb means that he will be out for the next 3-4 matches and will be observed by the team management, as per assistant coach Sanjay Bangar.

Dhawan made a century against Australia which made the victory possible. However, during the innings, his left thumb received a blow from a ball that rose suddenly off the pitch that resulted in a hairline fracture. According to Bangar, the southpaw is a precious player and cannot be ruled out of the tournament without being carefully observed.

Bangar said in a press conference, “As far as Shikhar is concerned, we are observing him and it will take some time, around 10 or 12 days to figure out where he stands. We will be in a better position to take a call then because we don't want to rule out a precious player like Shikhar, straight at the time of the injury.”

As it is not sure whether Dhawan will be playing for the rest of the tournament, a backup was called. BCCI asked Rishabh Pant to board the first flight possible to United Kingdom and join the team in Manchester. He will be called up to the squad only if Dhawan will not be able to play any further. But, Pant will train with the team to acclimatize to the conditions.

“Since Dhawan's assessment will take 10-12 days, till that point of time, we wanted to make sure if and when the replacement is required and I am saying if and when, then it is always good to have a replacement player coming in and practising with the team as a stand-by,” India’s assistant coach said.

(Source: PTI)