Shami ruled out of Sri Lanka ODI series, Kulkarni in

Mumbai, Oct 27 (IANS) India seamer Mohammed Shami was Monday ruled out of the five-match One-day International (ODI) series against Sri Lanka, starting in Cuttack Nov 2, due to an injury and will be replaced by Dhawal Kulkarni.

The nature and extent of the injury was not disclosed but a Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) release said that Kulkarni has been picked as Shami's replacement for the first three ODIs of the upcoming series.

Shami's absence will be a big setback since the 24-year-old has been one of India's better performers, emerging as the most successful bowler in the ODI series against the West Indies with 10 wickets.

The Bengal pacer with 68 wickets in 36 matches was a key opening bowler while Kulklarni has only played one ODI, debuting against England in Birmingham Sep 2, but went wicketless.

The Mumbai pacer has claimed 18 wickets from 59 First Class matches and 83 wickets from 53 List A matches.

The team will be captained by Virat Kohli as regular captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has been rested. Sri Lanka will be led by Angelo Mathews.

Sri Lanka are playing India in a short series after the West Indies players pulled out mid-way through the ODI series following their dispute with the West Indies Cricket Board and the players association over contract.