India skipper remains hopeful that his star opener will be fit later on in the tournament
Kohli optimistic of regaining Dhawan
India won't give up hope of star opener Shikhar Dhawan returning for the end of the World Cup after a Pat Cummins blow left his hand in plaster.
Dhawan will miss the next stage of India's campaign, after he was hit in the thumb by a Cummins ball early in his match-defining century against Australia on Sunday.
The Melbourne resident played on, but scans have since confirmed the injury after he stayed off the field during Australia's batting innings.
"Shikhar will be in a plaster for a couple of weeks, we'll assess and see," captain Virat Kohli said on Thursday after his team's washout draw against New Zealand.
"Hopefully he'll be available for the later half and the semi-finals. He's motivated, we wanted to keep him back."
Dhawan averages 44.91 for India, and has long been a thorn in Australia's side with four ODI centuries against the defending champions.
Wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant has been flown to England as cover for India, but at this stage has not been called into their 15-man squad.
If India were to make the switch, it would mean Dhawan cannot play again in the tournament.