MS Dhoni out of first Test due to injury

New Delhi:

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the Indian captain, has been ruled out of the first Test match against Bangladesh that is scheduled to start on Sunday.

Dhoni has been withdrawn from the squad due to a back strain.

Virender Sehwag, the vice-captain, will lead India in the match, the Indian team manager Arshad Ayub confirmed.

This will be Sehwag's third match as captain for India in Tests.

Dinesh Karthik's inclusion in the team as the wicket-keeper's replacement is almost certain.

This is not the first instance when a back spasm has haunted Dhoni. Early last year, during India's tour of New Zealand, the Indian captain had to sit out of the Napier Test that ended in a draw.

India are scheduled to play a two-Test series against Bangladesh.