Shikhar Dhawan hits the gym, aims to be ready for ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 clash

Shikhar Dhawan’s injury has posed a challenge to the Indian cricket team in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 ahead of their clash against Pakistan in Manchester. With the game against New Zealand in Trent Bridge being abandoned due to rain, the focus now shifts to the India vs Pakistan clash in Manchester on June 16. KL Rahul is expected to open the batting while Vijay Shankar or Dinesh Karthik might occupy the No.4 spot. However, Dhawan is ensuring that he leaves no stone unturned in his quest to regain full fitness as the ICC Cricket World Cup reaches the business end.

With a heavily bandaged left hand, Dhawan was seen doing lower body exercises in a short video posted by him on his Twitter page. "You can make these situations your nightmare or use it an opportunity to bounce back. Thank you for all the recovery messages from everyone," was the accompanying message from Dhawan.

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You can make these situations your nightmare or use it an opportunity to bounce back. 🙌
Thank you for all the recovery messages from everyone. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/mo86BMQdDA

— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) June 14, 2019

Dhawan, the hero of India's win over Australia in the World Cup, played through the pain after being hit on the thumb by a rising delivery from pacer Par Cummins. The left-hander continued to bat and went on to score 117 off 109 balls but did not come to the field due to the injury and Ravindra Jadeja fielded in his place for the entire 50 overs.

After the match, Dhawan had to undergo precautionary tests, including an x-ray, which confirmed the fracture. Following the result, Physio Patrick Farhart took the call. This is a big blow to team India ahead of their next game against New Zealand at Trent Bridge on Thursday.

The three week recovery time has ruled Dhawan out of the clash against Pakistan and Afghanistan and he might be fit in time for the game either against the West Indies or against England. KL Rahul will open in the game against Pakistan after the game against New Zealand was abandoned without a ball bowled. Rishabh Pant has been flown in as cover for Dhawan. Pant will be allowed into the dressing room only if the team management decides to declare Dhawan unfit for the remainder of the tournament. An assessment of his injury will be done next week.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Shikhar Dhawan was hit by a bouncer from Pat Cummins.
• India won after eight years in a World Cup against Australia.
• Dhawan will miss the games against Pakistan and Afghanistan.