Gambhir ready for Pakistan - BCCI

Indian opener Gautam Gambhir appears likely to play in India's opening match of the Champions Trophy, against Pakistan on Saturday, a senior BCCI official indicated on Thursday. There were doubts over his availability after he sustained a groin injury that kept him out of the Compaq Cup in Sri Lanka.

However, the BCCI sounded optimistic about Gambhir's return. "He was cleared by the BCCI experts when he underwent a fitness test in Mumbai before the team's departure. I understand he's playing in the first match," said BCCI secretary N Srinivasan.

Gambhir pulled out on the eve of India's first match after aggravating the injury during a nets session. He was advised 10 days' rest and his withdrawal from the tri-series was more of a precautionary measure, given the recent spate of injuries.

Gambhir's return would, no doubt, be good news for the Indian team, who have had their share of injury worries. While Yuvraj Singh was the latest casualty, fracturing the little finger on his right hand in South Africa, Gambhir's opening partner Virender Sehwag and Zaheer Khan failed to make the trip after both picked up shoulder injuries.

"Nothing can be done. The doctor has just told me to rest and let the recovery happen. Now, it depends on me on how fast I recover. I am very positive about working on my fitness.

"Gautam has worked really hard. There were always apprehensions about him not performing against big teams. He has proved everybody wrong and become the No. 1 Test batsman. I am very proud of him as a team-mate."

Following their opening match in Centurion, India take on Australia on Monday and play West Indies in their final group match on September 30.