ICC World Cup 2019 | We don’t want to rule out a precious player like Shikhar Dhawan, says Sanjay Bangar

After scoring a scintillating 117 against Australia that earned him a deserved Man of the Match award, a hairline fracture on his left thumb has come at the worst possible time for the flamboyant opener. While the initial reports suggested that he would be back in a couple of weeks or maximum three, Sanjay Bangar’s words revealed that he might take slightly longer to become a part of the team and may possibly be even ruled out of the tournament. 

“As far as Shikhar is concerned, we are observing him and it will take some time, around 10 or 12 days to figure out where he stands. We will be in a better position to take a call then because we don’t want to rule out a precious player like Shikhar, straight at the time of the injury,” Bagar was quoted as saying by PTI. 

This means that Shikhar Dhawan is likely to miss matches against New Zealand, Pakistan, Afghanistan and finally West Indies, whom India play on the 27th. There are widespread reports that Rishabh Pant will come into the squad to replace the left-hander for the time he will be sidelined whereas KL Rahul will be promoted as an opener. Bangar said that the measure will be taken to ensure the squad has enough backups when required, a day before the Men in Blue take on New Zealand. 

“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.