Shikhar Dhawan ruled out of World Cup 2019 for three weeks with thumb fracture

India opener Shikhar Dhawan has been ruled out for three weeks due to a thumb injury he suffered during India's second World Cup 2019 match against Australia at Old Trafford in London.

Shikhar Dhawan scored a match-winning hundred against Australia.

In a major blow to India, star batsman Shikhar Dhawan was on Tuesday all but ruled out of the World Cup after sustaining a left thumb fracture.

A BCCI source said that Dhawan has sustained a fracture. Later in the evening, BCCI tweeted saying, "Shikhar Dhawan is presently under the observation of the BCCI medical team. The team management has decided that Dhawan will continue to be in England and his progress will be monitored."

Dhawan was the hero of India’s win over Australia on Sunday with a knock of 117 off 109 balls.

READ | World Cup 2019: Who could replace Shikhar Dhawan?

He played through pain after being hit on his left thumb by a rising delivery from pacer Nathan Coulter-Nile and would be sitting out of India’s next match against New Zealand on Thursday.

Designated standbys Rishabh Pant and Ambati Rayudu are in contention to replace Dhawan in case he is completely ruled out of the event.

But the team management might push for Mumbai batsman and India A captain Shreyas Iyer as he is a specialist No.4 batsman. Iyer is currently in England.

Dhawan is being assessed by Patrick Farhart and specialists are being consulted right now to get a clear idea on his availability.

Dhawan didn’t take the field due to the injury during the clash against Australia and Ravindra Jadeja fielded in his place for the entire 50 overs. He underwent scans in which the fracture came to light.