CWC 2019 Shikhar Dhawan’s Injury Update: Opener To Undergo Precautionary Scans

Ever since Shikhar Dhawan failed to come out to field during Australia's chase in his side's second encounter at the showpiece tournament, concerns arose around the thumb injury he had sustained while batting. Ravindra Jadeja was sent in as the substitute fielder for the opener, with Dhawan not making an appearance throughout the 50 overs.

Dhawan's absence sparked fears of his injury being a long term one which could subsequently keep him out of India's upcoming pivotal clash against New Zealand. Dhawan was hit twice on his hand, first in the 9th over when he tried to negotiate a stinging shorter ball from Pat Cummins when he was on 24. After the first blow, the medical team immediately attended to him, and the opener went on to score a ravishing 100 which set the foundation for India's colossal 352 run total.

However, the second blow to his hand in the 40th over by a sharp, uprising delivery by Nathan Coulter-Nile grew suddenly into him. It crashed straight into Dhawan's thumb. It left him with a swelling following which the call was taken to send in a substitute when it was India's time to field. Patrick Farhart had come out and used a spray on Dhawan's hand at the moment ensuing which the batsman had continued batting.

And it's now been learnt by PTI that the opener is set to undergo precautionary tests on his injury on Tuesday to ascertain the full extent of his blow. With the Indian team management not wanting to take any unwarranted risks by playing an unfit Dhawan against New Zealand, the final call on his participation in India's third encounter will be taken after the results of those tests. Dhawan was last spotted sporting a taping around his thumb during India's match against Australia at the Kennington Oval, London.

The Indian cricket team currently sits on the third position in the league table after registering two comprehensive wins against South Africa and Australia in their opening two encounters. The side is slated to take on New Zealand on June 13th at the Trent Bridge, Nottingham, a counterpart who alongside them is the only side to have a 100% winning record till now.

Given the batting conducive conditions prevalent at Trent Bridge, India will wish that they can have Dhawan back in time for the encounter with the opener being an essential part of India's top-order.

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