India not looking for Dhawan’s back-up

There have been reports claiming that either Abhinav Mukund or Gautam Gambhir may be flown to South Africa to ensure that the batting line-up is not affected. But that’s not the case.

While sources confirmed that Dhawan is being monitored, there certainly won’t be any major changes for the first Test.

India opener Shikhar Dhawan’s injury ahead of the Test series against South Africa has led to speculations that the team management might be mulling a back-up opener.

READ: Injury scare for Dhawan

There have been reports claiming that either Abhinav Mukund or Gautam Gambhir may be flown to South Africa to ensure that the batting line-up is not affected. But that’s not the case.

READ: Kohli, Shastri ‘prepared’ for tough South Africa tour

Sportstar has learnt from reliable sources that the selectors are not thinking of sending any replacements. “There is no such plan at the moment. There is nothing to panic about,” the source, who is in the know of the development, told Sportstar on Friday.

READ: Shastri: ‘Next 18 months will define Indian cricket’

While sources confirmed that Dhawan is being monitored, there certainly won’t be any major changes for the first Test. It is learnt that if Dhawan, who was seen entering the team hotel in Mumbai limping with his left ankle heavily strapped, can't play the first Test, K. L. Rahul might open the innings with Murali Vijay. The side also has Parthiv Patel, who has experience of facing the new ball.

READ: Five talking points from India-South Africa Tests

However, a final call may be taken once the chief national selector, M.S.K. Prasad, reaches South Africa. Prasad will be flying out to the Protea land later on Saturday.