India were dealt a blow ahead of Saturday’s World Cup final against Sri Lanka in Mumbai with skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni saying that pacer Ashish Nehra is “most likely” out of the match due to a fractured right-hand finger.
There was widespread speculation over Nehra’s fitness and Dhoni said the lanky pacer, who returned impressive figures of 2/33 in the semi-final against Pakistan, was virtually out of the reckoning.
“Nehra is most likely ruled out. He has got multiple fractures (in his right hand finger),” Dhoni said at the pre-match press conference.
But opener Gautam Gambhir, who left the field during Pakistan’s innings due to a hamstring problem, is expected to be fit for the final.
“Gautam looks right now. He is most likely to be fit for the game,” was Dhoni’s response when asked about the left-hander’s fitness status.
Nehra picked up the injury while attempting a catch against Pakistan when fielding at deep midwicket. He hurt himself while trying to pick up a pull by Shahid Afridi off Yuvraj Singh’s bowling.
Nehra had missed the first two matches of the event due to a sore back. He went for 65 runs in 8.4 overs against South Africa in a group game after coming back.
He was then left out for India’s next two games, before making a comeback in the semi-finals.
