India skipper MS Dhoni has been banned for the second time on tour, suspended for a slow over-rate in his team’s 110-run loss to Australia at the Gabba.

Dhoni, rubbed out of the fourth Test against Australia for a similar offence, will be forced to sit out Tuesday’s tri-series clash against Sri Lanka.

With vice-captain Virender Sehwag sidelined by a back problem, fellow opener Gautam Gambhir is in line to take the reins if Sehwag doesn’t recover in time.

The Indians finished two overs behind schedule after bowling first against Australia in Sunday’s clash, making it the second minor offence within 12 months in one-day cricket.

They were also slow in the World Cup final against Sri Lanka in April and the combination two meant Dhoni would be suspended and the team fined.

ICC match referee Andy Pycroft imposed a fine of 40 per cent of the captain’s match fee and 20 per cent of his players’.

It completed a forgettable day for the tourists who were ragged in the field, dropping four catches and missing two run-out chances, before Australia’s quicks ripped through their top-order as they chased 289 for victory.

Dhoni top-scored with 56 off 84 balls in their innings of 178.