Indian team and selectors show signs of discord?

Nottingham: Just as the storm around Shikhar Dhawan’s injury was about to settle down in the Indian camp, another one seems to be brewing up.

Shikhar Dhawan’s injury has made BCCI to scratch its heads, bringing the issue of number batting slot back again. However, the team management will push KL Rahul up the order to open the innings with Rohit Sharma.

However, the real bone of contention is that the selectors are keen to replace Shikhar Dhawan with Rishabh Pant, while Head Coach Ravi Shastri and the rest of the think-tank are in favour of granting the opener some time to recover.

It is learned that one of the selectors, who was a wicket-keeper himself-is firmly in favour of Rishabh Pant replacing Shikhar Dhawan.

Early return?
It has been learned here, that Patrick Farhart, Indian cricket team’s physiotherapist believes that Shikhar Dhawan’s thumb could recover in time for him to even feature in the league match against England. After the injury, Dhawan and Farhart had travelled to Leeds for further assessment, and it was diagnosed that Dhawan has a hairline fracture in his thumb.

Such injuries usually take 2-3 weeks to heal, and the team-management believes that the game against England, to be played at Birmingham on June 30, could be the game where Dhawan makes his comeback.

Head coach Ravi Shastri and captain Virat Kohli are in favour of retaining Shikhar Dhawan despite the injury, and are ready to play the waiting game, given Dhawan’s importance to the team.

“As far as Shikhar is concerned, we are observing him and it will take some time, around 10 or 12 days to figure out where he stands. We will be in a better position to take a call then because we don’t want to rule out a precious player like Shikhar, straight at the time of the injury,” Indian team assistant coach Sanjay Bangar had said, putting his weight firmly in favour of Shikhar Dhawan.

Pant’s case
Pant has the backing of a selector, who believes that Shikhar Dhawan’s hurried comeback from injury could spell dubious as there would be question marks about him being match-fit.

In that case, Rishabh Pant, known for his aggressive batting, would be a perfect replacement.

A source who is close to the development revealed that team management is not in favour of announcing a replacement.

He said that is due to the fact Dhawan’s hands are plastered and the things are not looking good for him.

“The team management seemed against the idea as a replacement would have meant that Dhawan would practically have no chance of making it if India goes into the semi-finals. Look at his hands. It’s plastered and things are not great,” the BCCI selector told the news agencies.

Rishabh Pant was ignored for India’s 15-member World Cup squad but he and Ambati Rayudu were named as designated standbys. After Dhawan’s injury, the team management has opted for the Delhi youngster instead of the experienced Rayudu.

In addition, the BCCI would need approval from administrators and office-bearers before making an official announcement regarding Pant. According to reports, the left-handed batsman would be reaching Manchester on Friday.

One thing is for sure, in coming days the BCCI office-bearers would compete with the weather to hog the limelight, and how!