Karthik covers for doubtful Dhoni
India have called up Dinesh Karthik as cover for Mahendra Singh Dhoni ahead of the third one-day international against Pakistan.
India skipper Dhoni has sustained a minor back injury and is a doubt for tomorrow’s final match in Delhi.
With the series already lost after successive defeats, Dhoni may choose to save himself for the five-match series against England which begins in Rajkot on January 11.
With the series against Pakistan already lost, India may choose to rest Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who is suffering from a sore back
Karthik, 27, will be on hand to replace him if required, but his inclusion would further weaken an Indian side who have been heavily criticised in the local press for two insipid displays against their most fierce rivals.
Indeed, among the batsmen, only Dhoni has shown anything like his best form with unbeaten scores of 113 and 54.
Karthik, meanwhile, has scored just five half-centuries in 52 ODI appearances and possesses an average just north of 27.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India today tweeted: “Dinesh Karthik has been flown in as a back-up to MS Dhoni. The Indian captain is suffering from a sore back.”
India are set to announce their squad for the five-match contest against England after tomorrow’s match.
Under-performing stars such as Gautam Gambhir, Yuvraj Singh and Virender Sehwag will all be hoping for a big performance against Pakistan to put to rest questions over their places.
