Injured Gambhir Doubtful for 2nd Test

Durban: Indian opener Gautam Gambhir was on Saturday rendered a doubtful starter for the second Test against South Africa after injuring his left hand and the team management will take a decision on his participation before the toss on Sunday.

While captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni said that Zaheer Khan, who missed the first Test in Centurion due to hamstring injury is fit to play, he did admit that Gambhir's injury in the knuckles of his left hand is a concern ahead of the second Test.

"As of now, Zak (Zaheer Khan's nickname) is fit. He has opted out of today's session but he is fit. Gautam has a bit of a niggle in his left hand. He got hit during the last Test. We can only take a call once we receive the formal report from the physio. He batted today also, but he has a bit of swelling," Dhoni told the reporters on the eve of the second Test.

The southpaw looked in utter discomfort during the first innings when South African pacers sorted him out with short-pitched stuff. However Gambhir showed a lot of grit scoring 80 in the second innings.

In case, Gambhir doesn't get fit in time, reserve opener Murali Vijay will be inducted into the playing XI. However it will be a test of character for Vijay who is not known to be too comfortable while playing short pitched stuff.

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