Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Parthiv Patel will join the national side as a backup for skipper MS Dhoni ahead of the Asia Cup T20 2016, scheduled to start Feb. 24.
Dhoni suffered a muscle spasm in the training session for the team Monday in Dhaka, where the Asia Cup 2016 will take place. The BCCI has announced that bringing in Parthiv Patil is a "precautionary measure".
"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," a BCCI statement said.
"Interesting choice of Parthiv Patel as back up for Dhoni. He's scored a lot of runs but at the top of the order. Made his debut before Dhoni!" cricket commentator and analyst Harsha Bhogle tweeted moments after the news broke.
Parthiv, 30, last played for the Men in Blue during the ODI triangular series in Australia, February 2012.
India reached Bangladesh, Sunday and were involved in their first training session at Fatullah, Monday afternoon. Dhoni has been a key member for the India cricket team during their series in Australia and Sri Lanka earlier this year.
India take on Bangladesh in their Asia Cup T20 2016 opener on Feb. 24 at the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium in Mirpur, Dhaka.
