World Cup 2019: Shikhar Dhawan is a fighter and he will come back stronger, says Sachin Tendulkar

Opener Shikhar Dhawan's thumb injury during the match against Australia has the Indian team management in a spot of bother at the World Cup 2019. With their next match slated against Pakistan, the focus is to get the team combination right for the most anticipated game of the tournament. But with Dhawan set to miss the tie in Manchester, speculations are on as to when the left-hander will be able to regain full fitness.

Former India captain and opener Sachin Tendulkar, in an exclusive chat with India Today expressed his faith in 'fighter' Dhawan, saying that he believes that it's not necessary to play him at this stage keeping in mind the semi-finals and final where he could be key to India's success.

Tendulkar also recalled India's tour to New Zealand in 2009 when he played with a broken finger and believes that if needed, Dhawan can do the same for the team.

Sachin said that Dhawan doesn't need to prove himself anymore as his ICC tournaments record 'speaks for himself'.

On the question of how players manage such injuries and what should be the team's approach towards handling such situations, Tendulkar is of the opinion that it's important to see if Dhawan is comfortable while fielding. If he doesn't feel pain while catching or fielding, then Sachin feels that India can take the gamble of playing him later in the tournament.