Shikhar Dhawan ruled out of World Cup for three weeks due to thumb fracture

In a big blow to Indian cricket team, opener Shikhar Dhawan has been ruled out of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 for three months due to thumb fracture. Dhawan, hero of India's win over Australia in the World Cup on Sunday, played through pain after being hit on the thumb by a rising delivery from pacer Par Cummins.

Dhawan looked in considerable pain but despite that he continued to bat and went on to score 117 off 109 balls. The southpaw, however, didn't come to the field due to the injury and Ravindra Jadeja fielded in his place for the entire 50 overs.

Afetr the match Dhawan had to undergo precautionary tests, including x-ray, which confirmed the fracture. Follwoing 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 also means that Dhawan will also miss out India's crucial game against Pakistan on June 16 at Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester.

With Dhawan ruled out for at least three weeks, KL Rahul is most likely to open the innings with Rohit Sharma. KL Rahul has been batting at number four. With Dhawan gone, Rishabh Pant, who was kept on reserve will most probably replace him in the 15-member India squad.

The swashbuckling wicket-keeper batsman was asked by the selection committee to bat higher-up the order during the ODI series against England Lions. Known for his attacking game, Pant can be included in the playing squad against New Zealand to bat at number 4 as KL Rahul will be promoted to open the innings.