Injured Sehwag, Gambhir doubtful; Karthik recalled

The Indian cricket team on Sunday were down with injury scares after openers Virender Sehwag [ Images ] and Gautam Gambhir [ Images ] were rendered doubtful starters for Monday's fourth ODI match against Australia [ Images ] in Mohali.

The BCCI said a final decision on whether they would play on Monday would be taken on the morning of the game.

Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu 'keeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik [ Images ] has been brought in as cover for the duo.

"Dinesh Karthik will be joining the Indian team in Mohali," BCCI secretary N Srinivasan said in a statement.

"Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir sustained injuries during the third match of the Hero Honda [ Images ] Cup 2009, played at Delhi [ Images ] on October 31. A final decision on their availability for the fourth match, to be played at Mohali on November 2 will be taken on the morning of the game," the statement read.

India [ Images ] won Saturday's match by six wickets to take a 2-1 lead in the series.

Although the BCCI did not elaborate on the injuries of the two openers, Sehwag had been hit on his foot by a Peter Siddle [ Images ] yorker in the eighth over which had him in pain, needing the physio's attention.

Gambhir, on the other hand, was struck on the neck by a Ricky Ponting [ Images ] pull shot. The opener didn't field for the rest of Australian innings after that.