IANS

Bangalore, Dec 7: Sachin Tendulkar has injured his knee and Gautam Gambhir has been asked to stand-by for the third and final Test against Pakistan starting here on Saturday. India lead the series 1-0.

A final decision on Tendulkar will be taken on Saturday morning, captain Anil Kumble announced at a pre-match press conference at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, where the match will be played, provided weather clears up.

Kumble said that even Yuvraj Singh, who has been in tremendous form in one-day cricket, could also be considered for selection in the XI if wicket-keeper and vice captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni also pulls out with a hand injury.

Dhoni or Sachin may skip third Test: Kumble
 
UNI
 
Bangalore: Master blaster Sachin Tendulkar or vice captain M S Dhoni may miss the third and final Test against Pakistan beginning here on Saturday due to injury, Indian skipper Anil Kumble said.  

Talking to newspersons on the eve of the Test, Kumble said Sachin was nursing a knee injury during the second Test at Kolkata and it would be decided only tomorrow if he was fit enough to play.

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Even Dhoni, who suffered a injury in the right ankle, had been advised seven days rest by doctors. However, a decision would be taken tomorrow. Definitely one of them would miss the Test, he said.

Kumble, leading the team in his home pitch for the first time, said ''the toss will be very special to me.'' Gearing to wrap up the series 2-0 by registering the elusive win for India against Pakistan at the Chinnaswamy wicket, Kumble said the team would go the whole hog for a win.

Referring to the entry of medium pacers Irfan Pathan and V R V Singh into the team, Kumble said it was a good opportunity for the youngsters.

When asked about the back-to-back Tests without any rest for players, Kumble said nothing could be done in view of international schedules. ''Whenever we get rest, we relax.'' Kumble said the final 11 would be decided only tomorrow after having a look at the wicket.  

Gambhir to join team in Bangalore 

PTI
 
New Delhi: Delhi batsman Gautam Gambhir will join the Indian team in Bangalore as a cover for Sachin Tendulkar who is the doubtful starter for the third and final cricket Test against Pakistan, beginning Saturday.

The BCCI said Gambhir would be on the stand-by because Tendulkar was doubtful for the third Test match due to knee pain.

"Selection Committee has decided to send Gautam Gambhir as stand by if Sachin cannot take part in the match," BCCI Secretary Niranjan Shah said in a press release issued here today.

"If Sachin will be fit to play for the Match then Gautam Gambir will be relieved for Ranji Trophy starting from December 9," he said.