Karthik replaces injured Viru

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When Dinesh Karthik joined the practice session on Monday, his team mates joked that he was already been in Sri Lanka waiting for a regular member to get injured. The script is becoming frequent and this time, he replaces Virender Sehwag, has had injuries following him like a faithful dog.

Karthik replaced stepped in for the dasher during the 2009 T20 World Cup while it was M. Vijay’s turn to take the number in the 2010 edition in the West Indies. Sehwag, who has been advised a 10-day rest, will fly to Delhi on Tuesday afternoon.
It is reliably learnt that the BCCI have issued a zero tolerance notice to all players on injuries. But the take on Sehwag will be lenient as the injury occurred on the field. Team manager Ranjib Biswal who had earlier said a final call on Sehwag would be taken after assessment confirmed on Sehwag’s return to Delhi.
Team sources revealed that Sehwag wanted to stay with the team and wait till a final call was made by the team physio.
“I see this as another opportunity. There is no pressure on me and I am not going to let it slip by seeing myself as Sehwag’s replacement but as one where I can contribute to the success of the team,” said Karthik who made 100 runs in four innings in Zimbabwe at a strike rate of 68.
For Karthik the opportunity is a godsend after his poor returns in Zimbabwe. However the Tamil Nadu wicketkeeper has not had proper run in the same position. He has oscillated in the top-order and that has not helped his cause.
The latest injury to hurt Sehwag’s increasingly fragile body is the hamstring he pulled during his 32-ball 10 against Pakistan on Saturday. Sehwag took on-field treatment and had the services of Suresh Raina for runner but was not anywhere near his best.
Sehwag was not a part of the team’s practice session on Monday. Karthik was only included as cover at first before finally being drafted into the squad.
Frequent injuries to Sehwag have hit the team hard in recent months. With the World Cup around the corner, it’s crucial to identify a settled batting combination. India was hurt badly during the 2007 World Cup. However Sehwag showed no signs of any discomfort while walking near the team hotel on Sunday. The team management which was not completely happy with Ashish Nehra’s fitness (back spasm) has received the all-clear for the match against Sri Lanka. “Nehra had back spasms during the first match. But he has recovered completely and should be ready for the games against Sri Lanka,” added Biswal.