AHEAD OF INDIA-PAKISTAN MATCH, DHAWAN RULED OUT OF WORLD CUP - WHO WILL OPEN FOR INDIA?

In the match against Australia, Dhawan scored 117 and steered the country to victory. However, he was hit by a bouncer in the first innings and but he went on to score 117 with his injury. But he did not field. Ravindra Jadeja fielded in his place for the entire 50 overs.

He underwent scans here in which the fracture came to light. Shikhar Dhawan is being assessed by Patrick Farhart and specialists are being consulted right now to get a clear idea on his availability, reports NDTV.

With Dhawan being ruled out with an injury for three weeks, India will be forced to change the opening batsman. Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer and Ambati Rayudu were designated as Team India reserves for the World Cup 2019. BCCI is yet to confirm the news. He will also miss major matches like the ones against New Zealand, Pakistan, West Indies and England. This is a huge set back for India.

KL Rahul was originally selected as the backup opener, but has come in at No.4 in the first two games is likely to return back to the top in such a case with either of Dinesh Karthik or Vijay Shankar being in number 4. It is unclear whether India will send a backup but if that does happen, one of Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer or Ambati Rayudu may make the cut, reports News 18.