Sehwag ruled out of Asia Cup

India have suffered a setback ahead of the Asia Cup final against Sri Lanka, as Virender Sehwag, the opener, has been ruled out of the tournament due to a strained hamstring.

Sehwag sustained the injury during India's chase against Pakistan in Dambulla and has been advised 10 days rest. Dinesh Karthik, the wicketkeeper batsman, has been called in as his replacement. Sehwag also missed the team's practice session on Monday morning and will fly back to India on Tuesday.

In an uncharacteristic innings where he laboured to 10 off 32 balls, Sehwag appeared to be in pain and sought the assistance of the physio. He eventually had to rely on the services of Suresh Raina as runner before being dismissed.

Sehwag had also missed the World Twenty20 this year in the Caribbean due to a shoulder injury, and was rested for the subsequent tour of Zimbabwe. Similarly, in 2009, he hurt his shoulder during the IPL in South Africa, missing out on a place in India's squad for the World Twenty20 in England.

India take on Sri Lanka in a dead rubber on June 22, before the final on June 24.