Wicket-keeper batsman Rishabh Pant has been asked to board the earliest possible flight to England and join the Indian team as a cover for injured opener Shikhar Dhawan. Pant, however, will not be named as an official replacement of Dhawan as the Indian team management has decided to keep the opener under observation. Rishabh Pant was ignored for India’s 15-member World Cup squad but he and Ambati Rayudu were named as designated standbys.
After Dhawan’s injury the team management has reportedly opted for the Delhi youngster instead of the experienced Rayudu.In Dhawan’s absence, KL Rahul is expected to open the innings with vice-captain Rohit Sharma. In India’s next two ICC World Cup 2019 matches against New Zealand and Pakistan, either Dinesh Karthik or Vijay Shankar will slot in at No. 4 position based on the conditions.
