Yuvraj down with dengue, out of Lanka ODI

Dambulla:

In yet another blow to India's campaign at the ongoing cricket tri-series, Yuvraj Singh was on Sunday ruled out of Monday's ODI against Sri Lanka after being diagnosed with dengue.

"Yuvraj Singh is not available for this game. He has dengue. But he is out of danger," Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni revealed at the pre-match press conference.

Yuvraj has been battling poor form and fitness for quite some while and the latest setback just adds to his miseries. He missed the second Test against Sri Lanka due to flu and was taunted as "water boy" by fans when he came to the field to hand out drinks to his teammates.

Others on the doubtful starters' list are pacers Ashish Nehra, nursing a thigh strain, and Ishant Sharma, who is recuperating from a knee injury.

"We are monitoring Ashish Nehra. He has got a bit of problem with his glute. So we will take the exact decision before the game. Ishant is shaping well. As of now these are the two players who may be missing out," Dhoni said.

"And hopefully by tomorrow there won't be any addition to the list," he added.

Dhoni, however, dismissed reports that Dinesh Karthik, who hurt his hand during the practice session on Saturday, is doubtful for Monday.

"Dinesh Karthik got hit on his thumb but he is fine and it is not a major concern," he said.

The injury-ravaged team is already without pace spearhead Zaheer Khan and opener Gautam Gambhir.

India lost the opening match to New Zealand by a massive 200 runs and need to win on Monday to remain afloat in the series.