Colombo, Sep 10 - India had a setback on the eve of their opening match of the Compaq Cup tri-series against New Zealand here Thursday when prolific opener Gautam Gambhir was ruled out of the tournament with a groin strain.

The visitors will be hoping that comeback man Rahul Dravid will provide solidity at the top-order. The selectors have called Delhi's Virat Kohli to join the team but he will not be playing at least in the first match as Dinesh Karthick will be opening the innigs with Sachin Tendulkar.

India lost Virender Sehwag before the tournament with a shoulder injury.

Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni said: 'You can't do much when someone in injured. We hope he's fit for the Champions Trophy. It's a chance for others to prove themselves.'

At No.3 Dravid will hold the fort after nearly two years. Dravid's comeback has been linked with the young brigade's inability to face the short stuff in Twenty20 World Championship.

'Dravid is the ideal No.3, especially in conditions during the evening when the ball swings and seams. So he we will bat at that position,' Dhoni said.

Dhoni said that he will keep changing his batting cards that he has done in last couple of tournaments.

'You get conditions when there are less overs and higher asking rates, and you shuffle and shift. We don't have a fixed order. We have all batted at No.3. It's not too much of a worry.'

India would be back after a good two months break from cricket.