India faced a massive injury scare on the eve of Saturday's first One-Day International (ODI) against Australia with former captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni receiving a nasty body blow during the team's net session at Hyderabad.
Dhoni, 37, was hit on his right forearm while taking throwdowns from the team's support staff member Raghavendra. Whether the injury is serious enough to make him doubtful for the opening ODI couldn't be ascertained. A final call is expected to be taken by the evening.
The legendary wicketkeeper-batsman had a long batting session at the nets and like all first-team players were taking throwdowns after the formal session.
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It was one such delivery from Raghavendra that kicked up and Dhoni was hit on the right forearm.
The veteran was in some pain and didn't bat after that as a precautionary measure.
In case Dhoni is unavailable, then Rishabh Pant is expected to don the big gloves. That is the most likely option in case Dhoni fails to get fit in time.
If the team management is keen on checking all the fringe batting options, then KL Rahul and Ambati Rayudu could both play in the XI with Rahul keeping.
India are aiming to bounce back in the five-match ODI series after losing both the T20s.
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(With PTI inputs)
