Team India was dealt with a double blow when skipper Rahul Dravid and vice captain Virender Sehwag were laid low because of fever, just ahead of the second cricket Test match against Sri Lanka that begins in New Delhi on Saturday.
According to reports, batsman Mohammed Kaif also checked out of the practice session due to stomach ache.
Sehwag was admitted to a hospital on Thursday after complaining of body ache. He is suffering from throat infection and is likely to miss the second Test.
Captain Dravid also missed the practice session on the eve of the second Test.
"Rahul is unwell. He is resting in his room at the hotel," Indian team's media manager Wing Commander Baladitya told reporters. Baladitya added that the team was expecting him to be fine for the Delhi Test, which starts on Saturday.
Sehwag, who missed the Indian team's morning practice session as a result of the illness, consulted doctors at the Gangaram hospital for what the team management called 'a routine check-up,' but had to be admitted.
"He was admitted today (Thursday) after he complained of throat and body ache. It was decided to put him under observation for the next 24-48 hours after which he could be discharged,'' Dr S P Byotra, senior consultant, Department of Medicine at the hospital, said.
The cricketer is reportedly having problems swallowing.
Dr Byotra updated the media on Friday, informing that Sehwag was doing better and was even given breakfast in the morning.
"He had high fever yesterday when he came in and couldn't even swallow water. He was on IVF yesterday since there was weakness due to the fever," Dr Byotra said. He also advised the dashing batsman two days rest and said he would prefer Sehwag does not play the second Test in Delhi.
"He will be fine in the next three-four days," he added.
Coach Greg Chappell, during the press conference, said that nothing was finalised yet and the players could turn up for the game.
"You are not 100 per cent fit all the time before a match. Sometimes you have to play even if you are not. I think they will play if it's humanly possible for them to."
While the team management expects Dravid to play the second Test, speculation was on as to who would lead the team if both -- Dravid and Sehwag -- are unable to take the field on Saturday. Some reports say that Anil Kumble could then lead the Indian side.
