No more twirling of mustache, no more ‘Daddy D’ celebrations, and no more cuts and drives through the off-side as India is set to miss the swagger of opening batsman Shikhar Dhawan in the remaining of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019.
The southpaw has been ruled out of the ongoing 10-nation tournament due to a fractured left thumb that he suffered in the match against Australia on June 9.
Despite the detection of a hairline fracture, the Indian team management waited to name a replacement but had called up Rishabh Pant in case needed.
Cricket fraternity and fans were left disappointed as Dhawan was in good form and has been India’s consistent performer in ICC tournaments.
Heart breaking news for @SDhawan25 . Its never easy for any player to be ruled out of a world cup due to injury. Stay strong Shikhar.
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) June 19, 2019
Really unfortunate for a player of such caliber to be ruled out of the World Cup owing to an injury. Big loss for the team. Wishing you a speedy recovery brother @SDhawan25. Best of luck & lots of success for a fantastic season @RishabPant777.
— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) June 19, 2019
It's so heartbreaking to be ruled out of a world cup due to injury, my heart goes out to @SDhawan25. Well done on your contribution so far buddy, get well soon. #Dhawan #ICCCricketWorldCup2019
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) June 19, 2019
Disappointed to know that @SDhawan25 will no longer take part in @cricketworldcup, he looked so much a part. My thoughts are with u brotherman but don’t worry not the end of the world. And best wishes to @RishabPant777. I’d urge that we don’t put any undue pressure on Rishabh.
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) June 19, 2019
Speedy recovery partner @SDhawan25
— Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) June 19, 2019
Heartbreak for @SDhawan25 to be ruled out of the World Cup. He was in terrific touch till the injury. Wouldn’t have been easy to accept this decision, but medical advise must prevail. @RishabPant777 drafted into squad, something which many believed he should have been originally
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) June 19, 2019
Feel for @SDhawan25 , but he can be very proud of his contribution, scoring an invaluable century with a fractured thumb.
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) June 19, 2019
My heart goes out to @SDhawan25. Playing in a World Cup, and hopefully winning it, is a dream. If India do win it, he can be proud that he contributed with that wonderful century.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) June 19, 2019
Will miss @SDhawan25 at the World Cup. It will be tough for him but I know Shikhar is a sorted guy someone who is philosophical by nature and will take it on his chin . Well played bhai and see you on field soon. #Cwc19
— Vikram Sathaye (@vikramsathaye) June 19, 2019
Big loss for team India losing @SDhawan25 at the same time great opportunity for @RishabPant777 to get his one day career going on the uphill direction #india #worldcup
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) June 19, 2019
Fracture rules @SDhawan25 out of the World Cup. You feel for him. He played brilliant and this is sheer luck. Wish him a speedy recovery.
— Boria Majumdar (@BoriaMajumdar) June 19, 2019
Really unfortunate that Mr. ICC is no longer a part of #TeamIndia for the #CWC19. Wish Dhawan a speedy recovery….
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) June 19, 2019
Dhawan's injury is a huge blow to India. Rahul is an excellent player & should move up to open but he has not got the pedigree of Dhawan who is one of the world's best openers. His absence will make India a lot more vulnerable in P1 – the foundation of their success. #CWC19
— Freddie Wilde (@fwildecricket) June 11, 2019
Feel sad for one of the nicest Indian cricketers @SDhawan25 . After a scintillating ton, out of World Cup.. Life and cricket can sometimes be so cruel..#dhawanruledout
— Vimal कुमार (@Vimalwa) June 19, 2019
Pant will make this India team even stronger than it already is. I know Dhawan has been extremely consistent especially in ICC events but KL Rahul is an adequate cover. In Pant, India now have that explosive MO player to follow the top 3.
— Rehan Ulhaq (@Rehan_ulhaq) June 19, 2019
Dhawan out, Rishabh Pant in officially. With Bhuvi's injury, now that makes Vijay Shankar a sure starter in the next game. Hopefully Pant will get a game or two later in the tournament. #CWC19
— Prabhu (@Cricprabhu) June 19, 2019
A Pat Cummins short ball has ruled Shikhar Dhawan out of the World Cup with a busted thumb. In comes Test keeper Rishabh Pant. What a luxury for India. Surprised Pant didn’t make the initial squad. #CWC19
— Sam Landsberger (@SamLandsberger) June 19, 2019