Virat Kohli: MS Dhoni is still replacement keeper

MS Dhoni

Sydney, Jan 5 (IANS) India's new Test skipper Virat Kohli on Monday said that Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who retired from the longest format of the game after the third Test in Melbourne, is still on standby and will take the field in the fourth Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) if something untoward happens to wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha.

"Dhoni is the second keeper as of now, God forbid something happens to Saha, I can't keep in the game so he obviously has to step in," Kohli said.

The skipper, however, stated that there was no injury concern about Saha and he was fit to play in the fourth Test starting on Tuesday.

"There's nothing wrong with Saha but something might happen tonight, he might get a stomach bug. Can you guarantee that you will walk out of his room now and not get a twisted ankle?

"Saha is playing ? MS is on standby," added the prolific middle-order batsman.

Dhoni's decision to quit apparently came as a shock to his family members as it is believed that even they did not know about it before he announced it to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

Kohli captained the side in the first Test at Adelaide and impressed fans with his aggressive style. He almost led the team to victory but a batting collapse in the final session cost India dear.