London:India opening batsman Shikhar Dhawan, who scored an outstanding century against Australia on Sunday, has been ruled out of the World Cup 2019 due to a thumb injury. This is a major blow for India as Shikhar was in great form.
Shikhar's injury has also opened a window for backup players which can replace the southpaw in the 15 member squad.
Ambati Rayadu and Rishabh Pant are the two backups named by BCCI after selecting the WC squad. Shreyas Iyer is also a name which can help India solve the middle muddle after the injury, as KL Rahul is expected to open the innings in place of Shikhar.
So, let's have a look at players who can be tried at number 4 in the rest of the matches in WC
Rishabh Pant
The left-hand batsman Rishabh Pant who missed the bus to England was named in the backup for the WC squad. The southpaw can provide the x-factor to the team and will be among the top contenders to get a call from the selectors.
Ambati Rayadu
Ambati Rayadu was the answer for India's number four problem for over one year, but he lost his form on the crucial moment and couldn't find his place in the final squad. Now as Rahul will play as an opener, Rayadu can get back his number four spot again.
Shreyas Iyer
Shreyas Iyer is performing heavily in the domestic circuit and he has proved his worth in the IPL as well so he will also be in the radar of selectors. Also, Shreyas is a proper middle order batsman and will give the much-needed stability to the team.
