World Cup 2019: Rishabh Pant to join Team India as cover for Shikhar Dhawan

Team India was dealt with a massive blow on Tuesday when Shikhar Dhawan was ruled out of the action due to the thumb injury. The southpaw was hit on the thumb by a Pat Cummins’ bouncer during the Australia game and despite the pain, Dhawan went on to smash a century. However, he didn’t come out to field and after undergoing scans, a hairline fracture was revealed.

While earlier it was speculated that the opener has been ruled out of the World Cup, the BCCI later released a statement stating that Shikhar Dhawan will be kept under observation. The team management is hopeful of him getting fit even as the batsman won’t be part of the New Zealand and Pakistan game at least.

“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,” the BCCI statement read.

Pant called up as cover

According to the reports in India Today, Rishabh Pant has been called up a cover for Shikhar Dhawan. He is expected to join the team on Wednesday ahead of the game against the Kiwis at the Trent Bridge and will train as well. Having said that, the youngster will not be available for selection until Dhawan gets ruled out of the tournament.

BCCI is still hopeful of Dhawan recovering in a few days’ time. Also, according to the rules, once an injured player is ruled out and a replacement is named for him, the former cannot come back even if he is fit later. This is the reason the team management wants to play it safe and keep Dhawan under observation. Things will become clear in the next few days it seems but by then, Pant will get a feel of conditions in England.