The 31-year-old left-hander missed a practice session yesterday and the team's medical staff will assess his condition in the morning today.

"Sourav has a mild fever," Indian vice-captain Rahul Dravid told reporters. "We're hopeful he'll be fit to play after his situation is reviewed tomorrow (Tuesday) morning."

India suffered another blow with left-arm paceman Ashish Nehra, who bowled a tidy final over to take India home by just five runs in a thrilling finale to the first game of the five-match series on Saturday, ruled out because of ankle trouble.

"Ashish has a swelling in his ankle and he won't be picked for tomorrow's (Tuesday's) game," Dravid said.

Left-arm paceman Irfan Pathan, who made an impressive debut in Australia earlier this year, is likely to take his place in the team.

Meanwhile, Pakistan's fiery fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar hopes to celebrate his 100th one-day international today by stopping the Indian batting juggernaut on his home ground.

"It's an honour to reach a milestone but I will celebrate only if can help my team win," said the 28-year-old.

Pakistan need a win to level the five-match series 1-1 after India pulled off a five-run victory in the spectacular opening encounter at Karachi on Saturday.

It was the highest scoring one-dayer in history with India piling up 349-7 and Pakistan replying with a gallant 344-8 following a century by captain Inzamamul Haq.

Akhtar, nicknamed the Rawalpindi Express for the lightning speed he generates, went for 55 runs in his 10 overs on the run-laden wicket but was unlucky not to have claimed more than two wickets.

India welcomed back in-form batsman Venkatsai Laxman, who sat out at Karachi with a knee injury.

Laxman, who hit three one-day centuries on the recent tour of Australia, is expected to replace Hemang Badani in the only change in the winning Indian combination.

India will once again rely on its experienced batting to overcome the depleted bowling attack that is missing frontline exponents Anil Kumble, Ajit Agarkar and Harbhajan Singh through injuries.