Karthik replaces Dhoni, Ishant recalled for next two ODIs | Virender Sehwag to lead India in next two ODIs | MS DHoni Banned for 2 ODI’s | Mahendra S Dhoni Banned | M. S Dhoni Banned | Dhoni Banned | Dhoni banned for 2 ODI’s for slow over rate | Jeff Crowe

Indian captain Mahendra S Dhoni has been banned for two ODI’s for the team’s slow over-rate during the 2nd ODI against Sri Lanka in Nagpur on Friday, 18th December 2009.

The nail biting 2nd ODI took 45 more minutes after the scheduled finish time due to the frequent discussions among the Indian players and the Captain during the closing stages of the match, prompting the ICC to ban Dhoni.

The decision was taken by match referee Jeff Crowe, considering the huge extra time the Indians players took to finish their 50 overs.

In the absence of Dhoni, Sehwag will lead Team India in Cuttack and Kolkata. A

The 3rd ODI will be held in Cuttack on 21st December 2009, while the fourth ODI will be held in Kolkata on 24th December 2009.

Meanwhile, the selectors have recalled Dinesh Karthik to replace MS Dhoni. Pace bowler Ishant Sharma will replace S Sreesanth, who is recovering from Swine Flu.