Dhoni injured, Sehwag to lead in first Test
Mahendra Singh Dhoni has been ruled out of the first Test against Bangladesh in Chittagong starting on January 17 because of a back strain. Virender Sehwag, his deputy, will lead India in the match, and Dinesh Karthik will replace him as the keeper, the Indian team manager Arshad Ayub confirmed.
Dhoni suffered a back spasm during morning practice, retired to the dressing room and sent Virender Sehwag for the traditional captain's pre-match conference. However Sehwag, in his inimitable style, just offered: "He is fine, just taking a break and he is enjoying in the dressing room."
"The spasm continued and refused to go away," Ayub said. "Dhoni didn't want to take any chances and decided at the team-meeting in the evening that he wouldn't play the Test. Karthik will replace him." Karthik played two games as an opener in the recently concluded tri-series.
Dhoni had earlier suffered a back spasm during India's tour of New Zealand early last year and, as a result, had to sit out of the second Test in Napier, which ended in a draw. Sehwag led India in Napier in Dhoni's absence and will be captaining his country in a Test for the third time when he steps out for the toss.
India hope to retain its number one position in the ICC Test championship by clinching the two-match series 2-0. Sehwag does not think too highly of the hosts, terming Bangladesh as "an ordinary Test side" which cannot surprise the Indians.
"Bangladesh can surprise other teams in one-dayers but not in Test cricket. They are an ordinary side in Test. I don't think they can beat us," he said. "It is not overconfidence but Bangladesh cannot take 20 Indian wickets, even Sri Lanka could not do it.
With India playing not many Tests this year and other teams -- including South Africa, Australia and England -- closely behind them, the visitors will have to get maximum result from the Bangladesh series.
