Retired India cricketer Sachin Tendulkar – who recently made his commentary debut in the 2019 Cricket World Cup opening match – was heartbroken on Shikhar Dhawan’s exit from the ongoing World Cup in England and Wales because of a fractured thumb.
Dhawan had suffered the injury after being hit by a Pat Cummins’ delivery during his knock of 117 against Australia on 9 June. While the X-ray didn’t show any fracture, CT scan revealed otherwise and Dhawan was taken to a specialist for further assessment.
Taking to Twitter, Tendulkar said: “Feel for you Shikhar. You were playing well & to be injured in the middle of such an important tournament is heartbreaking. I’m sure you’ll come back stronger than ever.”
Tendulkar also wished Rishabh Pant – Dhawan’s replacement – good luck for the mega event.
Wicketkeeper-batsman Pant, who flew in as Dhawan’s cover ahead of India’s game against Pakistan in Manchester, was officially named his replacement on Wednesday evening.
Wishing the young stumper, Tendulkar said: “Rishabh you’ve been playing well & there can’t be a bigger platform to express yourself. Good luck!”
Feel for you Shikhar. You were playing well & to be injured in the middle of such an important tournament is heartbreaking. I’m sure you’ll come back stronger than ever.
Rishabh you’ve been playing well & there can’t be a bigger platform to express yourself. Good luck! pic.twitter.com/T7qzKcDfoO— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) June 20, 2019
With 7 points (3 wins and a rain-washed game), India are currently placed at the 4th place in the points table. Notably, India are unbeaten in the tournament so far.
India will take on Afghanistan next on Saturday. The Afghans, who haven’t won a match yet in this edition of the showpiece event, must be looking to change their luck.