Sehwag made his international debut for India in 1999

Defending champions India will bring in Dinesh Karthik for injured batsman Virender Sehwag at the World Twenty20.

Sehwag has been ruled out of the tournament because of an injury to his right shoulder.

The 30-year-old picked up the problem playing in the Indian Premier League and has been unable to play a competitive match whilst in England.

"Sehwag is here but not as a team member," said India team manager Chamundeshwar Nath.

"We will be treating him here but Dinesh Karthik is coming.

"We are just waiting for the visa but Sehwag is not now part of the team and Karthik will come."

Karthik is expected to arrive in London ahead of India's first Super Eights match against the West Indies at Lord's on Friday.

The 24-year-old wicketkeeper has scored 67 runs in six Twenty20 internationals, with a highest score of 31 not out against South Africa in 2006.

606: DEBATE With Sehwag ruled out of the competiton, I feel our side should be: Gambhir, Sharma, Raina, Yuvraj, Dhoni, Yusuf, Jadeja, Kumar, Ishant, Ojha, RP Singh 606AllRounder

Sehwag's record in 12 Twenty20 internationals is 223 runs at a strike-rate of 144.80 and he is a key component of the side.

"Viru is one of our main batsmen, so not having him around is a blow," admitted coach Gary Kirsten. "We need to work around his absence."

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