India vs New Zealand 2016: Shikhar Dhawan ruled out of the third Test

End of Dhawan’s Test career?

Indian opening batsman Shikhar Dhawan has been ruled out of the third test against New Zealand after suffering a thumb injury. There were some speculations that the dashing southpaw will be out of action for the next three weeks.

His replacement is yet to be announced and it will be interesting to see who will replace the opening batsman. India already have Gautam Gambhir, who made a comeback to the national team replacing the injured KL Rahul. It is highly likely that Gambhir will replace Dhawan in the playing XI and will play a Test for India for the first time since 2014. 

After missing the first Test, Dhawan was given a chance to resurrect his Test career in place of in-form KL Rahul, who was ruled out of the series due to a hamstring injury. While facing Trent Boult in the second innings, Dhawan got hit on his left thumb twice and was yelling in pain. 

In spite of the pain, Dhawan continued to bat before he was dismissed for 17. After the end of day 3, it was reported that Dhawan has been taken to a nearby hospital for an x-ray. It was also speculated that Dhawan’s x-ray reports suggested a crack in his left thumb and the left-hander might be out of action for some days. 

When Dhawan returned to the dressing room after getting out, the team doctor advised him to undergo a check-up as the Delhi star was complaining of pain. A source close to the team said “He was taken to the hospital immediately and underwent an x-ray. The x-ray report is yet to come and there are some doubts over his availability on the field for the next two days.” 

India beat New Zealand in the second Test by 178 runs and took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. The third and final Test will begin on October 8.