Dhawan ruled out of World Cup, India call up Rishabh Pant

Shikhar Dhawan has been ruled out of the 2019 Cricket World Cup, with India confirming on Wednesday that Rishabh Pant will replace the left-handed opener in the 15-man squad.
Dhawan suffered the injury during the win over Australia – a game in which he extended his fine record in England with a century – but there were initial hopes that he would be able to return for the latter stages of the tournament.
But he has now been diagnosed with a fracture in his left hand that means he will remain in a cast until the middle of July and therefore has no hope of featuring again in the tournament. The final at Lord’s is on July 14.
Explosive keeper-batsman – a controversial omission from the original squad – had already joined up with the squad as cover in case this move was necessary. The BCCI have confirmed that an application has been made to the ICC for Pant to be Dhawan’s replacement.
The BCCI tweeted: “Shikhar Dhawan has been diagnosed with a fracture of the first metacarpal on his left hand following a ball impact injury during the team’s match versus Australia at the Oval on 5th June 2019.
“Following several specialist opinions he will remain in a cast until the middle of July and therefore will not be available for the remainder of CWC19.”
India are currently fourth in the World Cup standings and firmly on course for a semi-final spot, and are next in action against Afghanistan on Saturday at Southampton.
India are clearly well stocked for batsmen, and Pant is a high-class addition, but Dhawan will be missed. He is something of a tournament specialist for India having been their leading run-scorer at their last five major tournaments – the Asia Cups of 2014 and 2018, the Champions Trophies of 2013 and 2017 – both held in England – as well as the 2015 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
Latest
-
News
5 talking points as England turn attention to ODI format in a World Cup year
England have travelled to South Africa for three one-day internationals.
-
News
England captain Jos Buttler backs Jason Roy as the opener bids to find his form
Roy will open the innings alongside Dawid Malan as part of a new-look top-order in Friday’s first ODI against South Africa.
-
News
Jofra Archer set to make long-awaited England comeback against South Africa
There were minor alarms when the fast bowler was not seen at Bloemfontein’s Mangaung Oval on Thursday.
-
Women's Cricket
It’s the right time – England bowler Katherine Brunt retires from county cricket
The 37-year-old will play in this summer’s Hundred but will not feature for the Northern Diamonds or Yorkshire.
-
England
England stars Ben Stokes and Nat Sciver win ICC cricketer of the year awards
Sciver finished the World Cup as the tournament’s third-highest scorer as England reached the final
-
South Africa
Temba Bavuma: Bazball a stupid term but SA could take some ideas from England
South Africa’s limited-overs captain has encouraged his side to adopt some of England’s attacking principles.
-
Australia
On This Day in 2008: Australia wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist retires
Gilchrist was one of the most exciting cricketers of the modern game.
-
England
Jofra Archer ready to do the ‘hard yards’ for Ashes and World Cup challenges
The 27-year-old has seen his career railroaded by elbow and back injuries.
-
South Africa
South Africa all-rounder Marco Jansen scoops ICC award after standout year
The 6ft 10in left-armer is in the Proteas squad that takes on England in three ODIs in the space of six days, starting on Friday.
-
England
Jofra Archer ready for England comeback – a closer look at his injury issues
Archer enjoyed a stunning breakthrough in the summer of 2019.