New Delhi: Two days ahead of India's opening match against Bangladesh in the Asia Cup tournament, the Indian cricket team today suffered twin setbacks in the form of skipper MS Dhoni and fast-pacer Jasprit Bumrah. Both players are doubtful to be a part of the playing eleven in the crucial tournament.
While the Indian skipper, who is also the team's wicket-keeper, suffered a muscle spasm during the training sessions, Bumrah has been advised complete rest by the team of doctors.
The setbacks have forced the BCCI to call upon Parthiv Patel to handle the responsibility of wicket-keeping, in case Dhoni misses a match.
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"India ODI and T20I captain MS Dhoni has suffered a muscle spasm in the back during a training session today in Dhaka. The All-India Senior Selection Committee has named Parthiv Patel as the back-up wicketkeeper for the upcoming Asia Cup, 2016. He will join the team in Dhaka at the earliest," BCCI secretary Anurag Thakur said in a statement.
As far as Bumrah is concerned, he is "little under the weather and advised rest today".
Patel has played 20 Tests, 38 One-Day Internationals (ODI) and just two Twenty20 Internationals, last representing India in an ODI against Sri Lanka four years ago at Brisbane.
The Indian cricket team is currently in Bangladesh to participate in the Asia Cup, to be held for the first time in the Twenty20 format, from February 24 to March 6 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur.
Dhoni's fitness is crucial for the team as the Asia Cup will be followed by the all-important World Twenty20, to be played across seven Indian cities from March 15 to April 3.
