Absence of Dhoni can impact India`s Asia Cup prospects

Zee Media Bureau/ Yogesh Pandey

New Delhi: In a major blow to Team India ahead of the forthcoming Asia Cup to be held in Bangladesh next week, skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni was on Thursday ruled out of the squad due to a side-strain injury. With news of captain's injury coming in, India`s prospects in the Asia Cup have already taken a hit. The Indian skipper had suffered a strain on his left side during the second Test against Black Caps in Wellington and will now undergo rehabilitation for ten days. . In the absence of Dhoni, Dinesh Karthik has been included as a wicket-keeper and in-form Virat Kohli will be in leadership role. Dhoni has the reputation of a great finisher, and Team India`s major trouble-shooter. Depending on the situation, he can change gears and dismantle any bowling attack. Now, as Dhoni is out of the squad, the already ailing team which was at a receiving in South Africa and New Zealand, might find itself in a precarious situation to cope with other challengers, such as Sri Lanka, Pakistan and even Bangladesh at the latter`s home turf.