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India's bowling plans going into the first Test at the Feroz Shah Kotla have taken a serious jolt because of the injuries to fast bowlers RP Singh and Sreesanth. Both bowlers have been ruled out of the first Test atleast according to the BCCI. Only one replacement has been named for both the fast bowlers and that is Munaf Patel who has had an impressive start in the domestic circuit in the Irani Trophy and the ongoing Ranji Trophy.

Anil Kumble now has just Zaheer Khan and Munaf Patel at his disposal for the first Test. However, it is likely that either Ishant Sharma of Delhi or Pankaj Singh from Rajasthan may be added to the squad as an additional cover. Meanwhile, the likelihood of MS Dhoni playing the first Test looks promising after the wicket keeper trained along with his team mates. Dhoni had picked up an ankle strain when he was taking a run during the fifth and final ODI at Jaipur. India have an additional wicket keeper though in the form of Dinesh Karthik who has been selected as a pure opening batsman.

RP Singh has been ruled out because of a rib muscle injury while Sreesanth had picked up a shoulder injury. It is a surprise that the Selectors have decided to name Munaf Patel as the replacement as his pace has dropped significantly last season. But then he has the wicket taking ability because of his steady line coupled with movement off the track and reverse swing later on in the innings. Munaf was found out of favour after a lackluster tour of England where questions were raised over his intensity.

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