Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Dhawan injury in focus ahead of India's New Zealand clash

India on Tuesday put Shikhar Dhawan under observation over a hand injury that could sideline the batsman for at least two weeks at the World Cup.

Dhawan led India to their second win of the 50-over tournament with his 117 against holders Australia on Sunday, but the opener took a hit near the thumb during the innings and didn't come out to field at the Oval.


Dhawan's injury is a blow to Virat Kohli's side, who will play New Zealand on Thursday before taking on arch rivals Pakistan in Manchester on Sunday.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India did not reveal the extent of Dhawan's injury, but said the left-hander will stay with the team after rumours he would have to be replaced.

"Team India opening batsman Mr Shikhar Dhawan is presently under the observation of the BCCI medical team," said a BCCI statement.

"The team management has decided that Mr Dhawan will continue to be in England and his progress will be monitored.

"Mr Dhawan sustained an injury on the back of his left hand in the region between the index finger and thumb during the CWC 2019 league match against Australia," the statement added.

Team physio Patrick Farhart is assessing Dhawan's injury after the batsman was taken to Leeds for detailed scans.

Dhawan suffered the injury as a result of a nasty blow from a rising delivery by Australia paceman Pat Cummins in the early phase of his innings but went on to complete his 17th one-day international century.

Dhawan, however, played no further part in the match after his dismissal, with substitute Ravindra Jadeja taking the field in his place as India comfortably defended their total of 352 for five to complete a 36-run victory.

- Best-case scenario -

He has played 10 World Cup matches since his debut in 2010, scoring 537 runs at an average of 53.70.

Kohli called Dhawan a "world-class" player with a "big-match temperament" after his heroics against Australia.

Meanwhile, rising star Rishabh Pant and Ambati Rayudu are on the BCCI's official stand-by list in case a replacement for Dhawan is needed.

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar said Dhawan is a huge asset for the team and should be given every chance to return if his injury heals in time.

"The best case scenario is he is ready in about two weeks time because of the pain threshold he has. Worst case, he will be out for more than 3-4 weeks," Gavaskar told TV channel 'India Today'.

"I would wait if the doctor says he will be ready in 15-20 days. Even if he misses the England game, then he still has games against Bangladesh and Sri Lanka to get him ready for the knockout stages."

Gavaskar said wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik can open the innings with Rohit Sharma in Dhawan's absence.

Reports from India suggest Pant, who missed out on making the 15-man World Cup squad, is expected to fly in as cover for Dhawan.

India will start as favourites in the game against New Zealand in Nottingham despite losing a warm-up match to the Black Caps last month.

More For You

Alcaraz &  Djokovic

Djokovic (L) and Alcaraz embrace during practice prior to The Championships Wimbledon 2025 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on June 26.

Getty

Wimbledon 2025: Alcaraz eyes third straight title as Sinner, Djokovic lead challenge

CARLOS ALCARAZ will look to win his third consecutive Wimbledon title this year, reinforcing his position as the leading player on all surfaces. Jannik Sinner, who lost to Alcaraz in a closely fought French Open final, heads to London hoping to reverse the result.

Seven-time Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic will also be in contention. At 38, this could be his best chance to win a record 25th Grand Slam title. Djokovic lost the last two Wimbledon finals to Alcaraz and will aim to reclaim the trophy at the All England Club.

Keep ReadingShow less
Rugby Premier League

The Rugby Premier League (RPL) features six franchises and brings together top players from the World Sevens circuit with Indian players. (Photo: Rugby Premier League India)

Rugby Premier League India

Rugby Premier League aims to revive Indian rugby through new sevens league

NEARLY 150 years after the closure of the Calcutta Football Club led to the creation of rugby's oldest international trophy, a new sevens-format league has been launched this month to help revive the sport in India.

The Rugby Premier League (RPL) features six franchises and brings together top players from the World Sevens circuit with Indian players. The tournament follows rule variations suited to television broadcasts.

Keep ReadingShow less
David Beckham

Beckham’s arm surgery linked to an old injury from a 2003 football match

Getty Images

David Beckham hospitalised for arm surgery after years of pain from old football injury

Quick highlights:

  • David Beckham had surgery on his right arm following years of discomfort from a 2003 injury.
  • Victoria Beckham posted a hospital photo with the caption “Get well soon Daddy.”
  • Doctors removed a pin that failed to dissolve from an earlier procedure.
  • Fans flooded social media with support as Beckham begins recovery.

David Beckham has undergone surgery on his right arm after enduring years of pain from an old football injury. The former England captain was admitted to hospital this week, where doctors corrected a long-standing issue stemming from a 2003 match against South Africa. Beckham is now recovering, with his wife Victoria offering fans a glimpse into his post-op condition through an Instagram update.

Keep ReadingShow less
Alcaraz-Wimbledon-Getty

Carlos Alcaraz plays a forehand against Novak Djokovic in the Gentlemen's Singles Final on July 14, 2024. (Photo: Getty Images)

Wimbledon draw: Alcaraz opens against Fognini, Sabalenka faces qualifier

CARLOS ALCARAZ will begin his attempt to win a third straight Wimbledon title against Italian Fabio Fognini, while women’s top seed Aryna Sabalenka opens her campaign against Canadian qualifier Carson Branstine.

The draw, held on Friday at the All England Club, featured several notable first-round matchups.

Keep ReadingShow less
Jofra Archer

The 30-year-old fast bowler has struggled with injuries throughout his career and has played just 13 Tests, the last of which was in February 2021.

Getty Images

Jofra Archer recalled for second Test against India

JOFRA ARCHER has been named in England's squad for the second Test against India, marking his return to the Test side after more than four years.

The 30-year-old fast bowler has struggled with injuries throughout his career and has played just 13 Tests, the last of which was in February 2021.

Keep ReadingShow less