Nottingham, Jul 28: India were left grappling with injury worries ahead of the crucial second cricket Test against England with pace spearhead Zaheer Khan being ruled out and opener Gautam Gambhir being rendered a doubtful starter.
Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni said Zaheer will have to sit out of the game though he has shown huge improvement in his right hamstring strain and was expected to be fit for the third Test.
“As of now Gambhir is doubtful. We will give him some more time. It depends on amount of pain he can go through and still perform,” said Dhoni on the eve of the second Test starting here tomorrow.
Gambhir was hit on his right elbow by a swept shot from Matt Prior in the first Test at Lord's on Sunday and even though he came on to bat, it is believed that his elbow is still stiff and not 100 per cent fit.
Gambhir, however, did come out to bat in the nets today after missing out completely on it yesterday.
If Gambhir sits out, it would mean an opportunity for Yuvraj Singh to feature in the playing eleven. It would still be a tough call for India to decide on who will partner Abhinav Mukund to open the innings.
Injuries have been an issue for India for sometime and Dhoni rued the fact that it's been rare when he has been able to field a full-strength team in Test arena.
“As a side, we have constantly faced this problem. Whenever we play, we are not at full strength. It has happened constantly.” PTI
