Rishabh Pant leaves for England to replace injured Shikhar Dhawan from World Cup squad

Shikhar Dhawan who fractured his thumb during India’s second World Cup match against Australia is ruled-out of the tournament. Rishabh Pant is all set to replace the left-handed Delhi batsman as he is backed by some of the greats like Sunil Gavaskar and Ricky Ponting.

Before the 15-member World Cup squad was announced by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Rishabh Pant was one of the frontrunners to get his maiden World Cup call-up. But BCCI decided to pick Dinesh Karthik over Rishabh Pant. BCCI cited lack of experience in the young Delhi batsman but kept him in reserves along with Ambati Rayudu.

Now Rishabh Pant is all set to replace his Delhi Capitals teammate Shikhar Dhawan from India’s World Cup squad. Rishabh Pant was also backed by his Delhi Capitals’ coach Ricky Ponting ahead of World Cup after he was not selected in the team.

The BCCI took to their official Twitter handle to confirm that Dhawan was injured but also said that he will stay in England his progress will be monitored. BCCI wrote, “Team India opening batsman Mr. Shikhar Dhawan is presently under the observation of the BCCI medical team. The team management has decided that Mr. Dhawan will continue to be in England and his progress will be monitored.”