Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan has been ruled out of ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 for at least three weeks after the 33-year-old fractured thumb during India vs Australia clash on Sunday. With injury cloud over Shikhar’s participation, cricket fans in India are going berserk with his replacement. While there is no official confirmation on the player replacing Shikhar Dhawan in Team India 15-man squad, fans are demanding Rishabh Pant’s inclusion. However, apart from Pant, one name that is making a huge buzz is that of Ajinkya Rahane! Shikhar Dhawan Ruled Out of ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 For 3 Weeks, Team India to Miss Opener Who Sustained Thumb Injury During IND vs AUS Match!

After the news broke on Tuesday about Dhawan suffering a thumb fracture, the micro-blogging platform is flooded with potential names to replace previous match centurion. India's Test vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane is one such name who fans feel should be brought in the side despite the 31-year-old not playing ODIs in two years. Rahane had last played in the 50-over format in February 2019 against South Africa. Rishabh Pant Stats and Records: Here’s Why Fans Want Wicket-Keeper Batsman to Replace Injured Shikhar Dhawan in Team India Squad for ICC Cricket World Cup 2019.

However, Mumbai lad has had a fantastic overseas record and the fact that he is currently playing on English soil strengthens his case. Ajinkya Rahane made a memorable English County debut, scoring a hundred for Hampshire against Nottinghamshire in a Division One game. Check out what netizens have to say about why he deserves a chance over the likes of Rishabh Pant, Ambati Rayudu, Manish Pandey and Shreyas Iyer.

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Meanwhile, the team management has a new dilemma over Shikhar Dhawan's injury. They are still not sure if they should rope in a replacement for the opening batsman. As per rules, if Dhawan is replaced by another player, he can no longer play a part in the tournament.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 11, 2019 05:13 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).