Viru in hospital, doubtful for Kotla

Two days ahead of the second Test against Sri Lanka at the Kotla here, India received a big blow to their plans with vice-captain Virender Sehwag falling ill. The opener was admitted to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital on Thursday evening after he complained of throat infection, fever and body ache.

The Najafgarh lad, who skipped the practice session today, has been kept under observation for 24 hours at the city hospital after he was administered a dose of anti-biotics and energetics. ‘‘He had a throat infection, fever and body ache. He was also having a problem in swallowing. He’s under observation for a day,’’ said Dr SP Byotra, who has been examining the cricketer.

The doctor said the cricketer may be discharged tomorrow, depending on his condition.

In Chennai, too, Sehwag missed a couple of practice sessions before the first Test. He, however, played in the truncated Test.