Ahead of their third World Cup 2019 fixture against New Zealand, India were jolted after opener Shikhar Dhawan sustained an injury on left thumb while batting against Australia. He went under the scans that detected a hair-line fracture and hence, he got ruled out of for at least next 3 games.

Since Dhawan will no more in the line-up against the Kiwis, the team management faces another challenge of filling the empty spot. Vijay Shankar and Dinesh Karthik are already in the squad while Rishabh Pant is about to join the team as a cover.

But should be inducted into the playing XI on Thursday?

The rephrased Indian line-up will be announced at the time of toss but batting coach Sanjay Bangar has hinted that it could be Vijay Shankar.

“We're monitoring Shikhar Dhawan. He may take 10-12 days to recover, we'll assist him. Vijay Shankar is one of the options, if & when required. It's good to have back up. Rishabh Pant will be in Manchester,” said Bangar at the pre-match presser.


On Wednesday, Shankar was also spotted undergoing an intense batting session with Bangar under the overcast conditions.

Here's the video:


Bangar’s statement means that Dhawan will be out of the games against New Zealand (Thursday), Pakistan (Manchester, June 16),  Afghanistan (June 22, Southampton) and West Indies (June 27, Manchester).

Bangar also informed that Pant is being summoned so that he can train with the team and be match-ready in case Dhawan is ruled out of the tournament.

“Since Dhawan's assessment will take 10-12 days, till that point of time, we wanted to make sure if and when the replacement is required and I am saying if and when, then it is always good to have a replacement player coming in and practising with the team as a stand-by,” Bangar said.