Explosive opener Virender Sehwag is set to return from injury to lead India in Tuesday night’s pivotal tri-series clash with Sri Lanka at the Gabba.

Sehwag has missed India’s last two winless matches due to a recurring back spasm but he’s told team officials he’s fit to take the reins following the suspension of skipper MS Dhoni.

Dhoni has been banned for one match due to a slow over-rate in Sunday night’s 110-run loss to Australia where his side were ragged in the field and finished two overs behind schedule.

It’s the second time on India’s forgettable tour that the skipper, who also missed the fourth Test at Adelaide, has been suspended for being tardy between overs.

Back-up wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel will take the gloves against Sri Lanka while Sehwag is likely to return at the expense of either Suresh Raina or Rohit Sharma.

It looms as a must-win match for Sri Lanka who still sit third on the standings with seven points – behind Australia (14) and India (10) – despite their convincing eight-wicket win over Australia at the SCG on Friday night.

Mahela Jayawardene team, which has a game in hand, is injury-free and likely to be unchanged.