India lose batsman Dhawan for rest of World Cup campaign

India have lost opener Shikhar Dhawan for the rest of their World Cup campaign.

The batsman suffered a painful injury to his left hand in the team's opening match against Australia at The Oval on June 9, when he made a century.

There had been hopes Dhawan would be fit to return later in the tournament but those were dashed on Wednesday when it was revealed he has broken a bone and will be in plaster until mid-July.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said: "Shikhar Dhawan has been diagnosed with a fracture of the first metacarpal on his left hand following a ball impact injury during the team’s first match versus Australia at the Oval.

"Following several specialist opinions, he will remain in a cast until the middle of July and therefore will not be available for the remainder of #CWC19."

Team manager Sunil Subramaniam confirmed the blow to India's batting resources when he spoke at a news conference on Wednesday.

Official Announcement - @SDhawan25 ruled out of the World Cup. We wish him a speedy recovery #TeamIndia #CWC19 pic.twitter.com/jdmEvt52qS

— BCCI (@BCCI) June 19, 2019

Delhi batsman Rishabh Pant is the player India want to replace Dhawan in their squad, and his inclusion must be approved by tournament organisers.

Pant is already in England and could come into contention to be involved against Afghanistan in Southampton on Saturday.

India are unbeaten in four outings so far at the World Cup, winning three and having one match washed out.