BIG SET BACK FOR INDIA: THIS CRICKETER RULED OUT OF WORLD CUP 2019

It came as a shock to cricket fans all across the world after Shikhar Dhawan has been ruled out of World Cup 2019 on Wednesday with a thumb injury. Dhawan suffered a hairline fracture during his match-winning 117 against Australia at The Oval on June 9.

In Dhawan's place Rishabh Pant has been included in the India squad. The Indian team management has sought the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) approval for a replacement for Dhawan, who was expected to recover in 4 weeks but it didn't go according to plan.

As per BCCI statement, it read as "Shikhar Dhawan has been diagnosed with a fracture of the first metacarpal on his left hand following a ball impact injury during the team's first match versus Australia at the Oval on 5th June 2019. Following several specialist opinions, he will remain in a cast until the middle of July and therefore will not be available for the remainder of World Cup 2019."

The team management had put Shikhar Dhawan under observation but called in Rishabh Pant from India as cover just before India's match against New Zealand, which was eventually washed out without a ball being bowled.

Media reports states that, Shikhar Dhawan is one of India's most prized assets. He has 6 hundreds in ICC tournaments: 3 in Champions Trophy and 3 in World Cup. Along with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohlli, Dhawan forms a formidable top-3 that is the envy of the rest of the cricketing world.

Rishabh Pant arrived in England shortly before India's match against Pakistan and even trained with the team.

Official Announcement 🚨🚨 - @SDhawan25 ruled out of the World Cup. We wish him a speedy recovery #TeamIndia #CWC19 pic.twitter.com/jdmEvt52qS

— BCCI (@BCCI) June 19, 2019