Dhawan’s loss won’t derail India’s World Cup campaign, says Hussey

Former Australian batsman Mike Hussey believes India has enough depth to cover for Shikhar Dhawan's absence.

Former Australian batsman Michael Hussey says India has enough talent to go all the way at the ICC World Cup 2019.

Former Australian batsman Mike Hussey has described Shikhar Dhawan’s ouster from the World Cup due to a thumb injury as a "big loss" but said it won’t derail India’s campaign at the showpiece event.

"I do think it’s a big loss but I don’t think it will derail India’s campaign. I think they have got enough depth to cover Shikhar Dhawan," Hussey said in an ESPNcricinfo show.

"I still think they have got enough talent in their squad to feel that they can go all the way in this tournament," he added.

Dhawan was ruled out of the World Cup on Wednesday after failing to make enough recovery in a fresh assessment of his thumb fracture . He was replaced by young wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant.

READ | How Rishabh Pant fared in ODI cricket

The 33-year-old, who was initially ruled out of three games - against Pakistan (June 16), Afghanistan (June 22) and the West Indies (June 27) - had picked up the injury after he was hit by a Pat Cummins’ delivery during his 109-ball match-winning innings of 117 against Australia.

India is currently fourth in the standings with seven points from four games. Virat Kohli and Co. will next face Afghanistan on Saturday at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton.