World Cup: India's Shikhar Dhawan ruled out due to thumb fracture

India's first choice opener Shikhar Dhawan has been ruled out of the Cricket World Cup 2019 after failing to recover from a hairline fracture on his left thumb. 

During a presser on Wednesday, the Indian team manager Sunil Subramaniam confirmed the news to reporters.

Also, BCCI wrote on his official Twitter handle, "Shikhar Dhawan had been diagnosed with a fracture of the first metacarpal on his left hand."

"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 #CWC19," it added. 

Young wicket-keeper batsman Rishabh Pant has already arrived in England as a cover for Dhawan. He reached Manchester and joined the Indian team ahead of the clash against Pakistan.  

As a consequence, the 21-year-old Pant, whose omission from the original squad had kicked up a storm given his exceptional form in the past one year, has got the big break. 

During India vs Australia match on June 9, Dhawan was hit by a rising delivery from pacer Nathan Coulter-Nile but went onto to score 117 runs in India's winning cause. 

The 33-year old was kept under observation and also was rested for India's match against New Zealand and Pakistan. 

The match against New Zealand was washed out and against Pakistan, KL Rahul opened the innings with Rohit Sharma.