MS Dhoni's
participation in the final ODI against Pakistan is in doubt after he
complained of soreness in his back during practice at the Kotla in
Delhi. Wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik has been called up as back-up for the Indian captain.
"If at all somebody is doubtful, it's me," Dhoni said when asked about
the absence of Yuvraj Singh at the practice session. "Since it was an
optional practice session, Yuvraj did not come."
The issue of who will take over the captaincy will come to the fore if
Dhoni misses out on Sunday. Over the last year, India have had three
alternatives: Virender Sehwag when Dhoni was out with over-rate bans in
Australia, Virat Kohli was vice-captain in Asia Cup, Gautam Gambhir in
Sri Lanka, and now there is no official vice-captain. When asked, Dhoni
said, "Let's hope that I play. We'll see tomorrow."
The final decision on Dhoni's fitness will be taken on the morning of the match.
The news will be a setback for the Indian side who have already lost the
series to Pakistan, and are looking to avoid their first home ODI
series whitewash since 1983-84.
Dhoni was the only India batsman who showed form in the previous two
matches. He has scored 167 runs - 106 more than Suresh Raina, who is
second - in the series without being dismissed.
Only twice in his career before he has been ruled out due to injury.
Both times, it was the back problem that kept him out - once against New
Zealand in Napier and against Bangladesh in Chittagong.
In 2012, Dhoni missed two matches because of over-rate penalties, but
played every other series, including the IPL and Champion League
Twenty20.
Karthik, who has 1008 ODI runs against his name, last played for India in August 2010.
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