Yuvi likely to play 3rd Test

[DesiChap]

Dhoni doubtful for Bangalore Test MUMBAI, December 6: Pakistan struggled to field a fit XI in the second Test at Kolkata but now it seems the epidemic has spread to the Indian team too. After fast bowlers Zaheer Khan, Munaf Patel, Sreesanth and RP Singh were omitted for the third Test because of a series of injuries, the Indian camp is bracing for a bigger blow. Vice-captain MS Dhoni suffered an injury on the webbing of his left hand during the Kolkata Test and may miss the final match in Bangalore starting on Saturday. According to a senior board official, team physio John Gloster submitted a report on Wednesday informing them that Dhoni "needed at least five days of rest". However, Dhoni did train at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Thursday. If he does miss out, Dhoni's loss is likely to be reserve batsman Yuvraj Singh's gain. Dinesh Karthik will have to do double duty as wicketkeeper and opening batsman, a role he performed on India's tour of South Africa in the last Test at Cape Town. Then, too, Dhoni was injured. Yuvraj's exclusion has been criticised by many with experts believing this is the right time to include him in the Test XI. Now, the left-hander gets a chance to settle the debate. Karthik too will be under pressure because Gujarat's Parthiv Patel, who too is a 'keeper-cum-opening batsman, is breathing down his neck. Dhoni was an unlikely starter for the first Test at Delhi due to an ankle injury. But he recovered in time. Gambhir may pip Chopra for Australia The fight for the third opener's slot on the Australia tour is between Gautam Gambhir and Aakash Chopra, both of whom have been named in the list of 24 probables. But it is learnt that left-handed Gambhir's consistent showing, and the fact that the Delhi player has been in the Test reserves for over a year, will earn him a recall yet again, it is believed. Meanwhile, it was learnt that the reason Virender Sehwag's name was missing from the list of 24 probables for the Australia tour was his recent miserable run with the bat. The Delhi captain has been struggling for runs in the Ranji Trophy. Vengsarkar may not be in Bangalore Chairman of selectors Dilip Vengsarkar is unlikely to travel to Bangalore to watch the third Test, at least for the first couple of days. According to a senior board official, Vengsarkar and president Sharad Pawar are likely to meet any time during the weekend, delaying the chief selector's trip. http://cricket.indiatimes.com/Dhoni_doubtful_for_Bangalore_Test/articleshow/2602300.cms