World Cup: Shikhar Dhawan ruled out for next three weeks
The Indian cricket team has suffered a huge blow in the ongoing ICC World Cup 2019. The Men in Blue will be without the services of Shikhar Dhawan for the next three weeks. A thumb injury has ruled out the dashing opening batsman. He had suffered the same against Australia on Sunday. Here's more about it.
How did Dhawan suffer the injury?
Dhawan, who slammed a brilliant 117 against Australia at The Oval, was earlier hit by a rising delivery from Pat Cummins. The batsman continued to play despite being in considerable pain. He didn't turn up while India fielded though during Australia's chase. Dhawan underwent scans to know the situation regarding his swollen left thumb. And now he has been suggested three weeks rest.
Dhawan suffers a fractured thumb, to miss these games
India will be up against the likes of New Zealand, Pakistan, Afghanistan, West Indies and England this month. Dhawan is set to miss these games. He has suffered a fracture on his thumb and team physio Patrick Farhart took a call on his participation. India will need to find a different plan to counter this blow.
KL Rahul might open, Vijay Shankar at number four
With Shikhar Dhawan missing out the league games, KL Rahul is likely to don the role of the opener alongside vice-captain Rohit Sharma. It means that Vijay Shankar is likely to come at number four.
Onus now on Rahul to prove his worth
Dhawan is one of the most key players of this Indian side and he will be missed dearly. On Sunday, Dhawan smashed his sixth century in ICC tournaments and a third in World Cup. He was adjudged the Man of the Match for his scintillating efforts against the Aussies. Now the onus will shift on to KL Rahul to take responsibility as an opener.
Analyzing the situation of Team India
If Dhawan doesn't recover as expected, then the Indian team might replace the southpaw with Rishabh Pant, who is on stand-by. The team needs to start well in the upcoming games. However, missing the Dhawan-Rohit combination takes away their edge. Rahul, who is more than capable of giving India a platform, will be required to seize this opportunity and show his mettle.
