Explosive opener Shikhar Dhawan will play no further part in India’s World Cup campaign after being sidelined due to injury. On the other hand, pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar will miss the next few games due to a hamstring injury.
On Wednesday, Dhawan was ruled out due to a thumb fracture. According to the management, it is unlikely that the cricketer will recover in time to participate in the global event. Bhuvneshwar had to leave the field after bowling just two overs and four balls and Vijay Shankar replaced him during the game against Pakistan.
Dhawan’s injury is a setback for team India: Ganguly
According to former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly, it’s a massive setback for the men in blue. “It’s a blow but they beat Pakistan comprehensively. So they are in good form. I hope Shikhar recovers well and recovers soon,” he said after returning to India post his stint in the commentary panel in England.
KL Rahul stepped up and hit a fifty in Dhawan’s absence. India went on to beat Pakistan in a comprehensive manner. “India have looked the best in the World Cup so far, then England and Australia,” Ganguly said as he launched a mobile blood donation bus by Project Life Force.
India’s next assignment is against Afghanistan
Virat Kohli’s men will take on Afghanistan next on June 22. India have been unbeaten so far and they lost just one point to rain as their game against New Zealand was called off. Wicket-keeper batsman Rishabh Pant was added to the squad recently and he was seen having an extended net session along with pacer Mohammed Shami. The Bengal paceman is likely to play against the Afghans as Bhuvneshwar’s replacement. Afghanistan were hammered by hosts England recently. Eoin Morgan hit 17 sixes as his side piled up 397/6 in 50 overs.