The Hindu : Sport : Tendulkar, Dhoni doubtful starters

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Saturday, Dec 08, 2007
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Tendulkar, Dhoni doubtful starters

K.C. Vijaya Kumar

Bangalore: Sachin Tendulkar cast a shadow over the pre-match press conference at the Chinnaswamy Stadium here on Friday. Just as the media was settling down, Anil Kumble read out from a prepared statement that hinted at Tendulkar being a doubtful starter for the third Test commencing here on Saturday.

“Sachin, while fielding in the Kolkata Test, aggravated a mild knee problem. On arrival in Bangalore, based on a specialist’s opinion, an injection was administered. Sachin’s condition continues to improve. However, should he fail to recover by the morning, we feel it wise to call for a back-up. We need to assess him tomorrow (on Saturday) morning,” Kumble read out.

Gambhir as cover

The Indian skipper added that Gautam Gambhir is coming in as the ‘back-up.’

The questions immediately centred on Tendulkar and Kumble reiterated that he had already disclosed the physio’s report. The focus then shifted to M.S. Dhoni. “Dhoni had an ankle injury in the one-day series. We initially thought of resting him but due to this new development on Sachin, we aren’t sure. Dhoni needs about seven days rest but it’s not that he can’t play but it’s important for us to look ahead as there’s a lot of cricket coming up. We will wait till the morning before deciding,” Kumble said.

Yuvraj may play

The skipper also mentioned about Yuvraj Singh getting a probable place in the playing eleven. “Yuvi deserves his chance,” Kumble said besides stressing on the need for an emphatic victory.

“We will try and make it 2-0. Pakistan will come hard but we are ready,” he said and added that Irfan Pathan, V.R.V. Singh and Ishant Sharma, who have replaced the injured trio of Zaheer Khan, Munaf Patel and R.P. Singh, have another opportunity to establish themselves.

“The pitch is under covers and I haven’t seen it yet. I did have a look at it yesterday (on Thursday) and it seems to be a good surface,” Kumble said.

Staying focussed

Shortly after Kumble left, Pakistan skipper Younis Khan stepped in and he was immediately asked about the probable absence of Tendulkar. “It doesn’t matter who is fit or not and we will play our game plan. I have told my team about the need to win this match. In the last two days, there has been a drizzle and the conditions look a bit strange,” he replied.

“Only after the first two days we will know who is the favourite and now it is a 50-50 game and I am hoping to look at the pitch today,” Younis said while adding that Pakistan will draw inspiration from holding India to a draw at Kolkata.

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