BCCI has given an update regarding Shikhar Dhawan’s injury after the opener has suffered a hairline fracture in the game against Australia. Shikhar Dhawan’s 117 run-knock of 109 balls was crucial to India’s convincing victory against Australia in the team’s second game of the ongoing World Cup. However, the opener suffered an injury to his thumb during the innings and hence, did not take the field in the 2nd innings. It turns out that Dhawan has suffered a hairline fracture.
As the regular Indian opener injured, Lokesh Rahul will replace the champion left-hander. Hence the big question of “number 4” that seemed to have answered by a classy ton of KL Rahul against Bangladesh in the second warm-up game has resurfaceShikhar Dhawan has been a prominent performer for India in ICC 50 over format events. With 6 centuries and a blistering average of 64, India will dearly miss the services of the left-hander. India takes on New Zealand on June 13th and arch-rivals Pakistan on June 16th. After the game against Pakistan, India plays Afghanistan on June 22nd.
For once more as the number four bother has popped up, Shankar or Kartik are the most likely replacements that can happen. With Shankar India can have a solid batsman with good technique, intent, and temperament, with his ability to chip in with 4-5 overs and the most important aspect of his fielding, the side would get a 3Dimensional edge. Kartik may find it tough to make it to playing 11 as of now. As Dhawan is to stay with the team under the inspection and as there is no verdict by the BCCI about the replacements of the left-hander, the distant plan can be to check the availability of Dhawan towards the Business end of the tournament.
Dhawan is the part of India’s top 3 and the only left-hander of the 3, will provide great relief for the opposition due to his absence. With the absence of Dhawan, the Indian batting order has no left-hander in the top 7 with Kuldeep Yadav at number 8 or 9 will not create that impact!
Many teams like South Africa, Afghanistan have been depleted due to injuries, and to join to the list India would miss one of its greatest match winners in the ICC events!
