Karim: I will strive to get back into the Indian team

Freak accidents are part of the game and the players are aware of such dangers. What happened to Saba Karim at Dhaka during the Asia Cup match against Bangladesh late last month was one of these unusual mishaps. But that has not in any way hampered the spirit of the 33- year-old Indian wicketkeeper. He was rushed to Shankar Netralaya, a well known hospital in Chennai, underwent surgery on the affected right eye, endured an extended treatment period but is now fit for the fray.

``I am confident that I will be fit to resume playing in another three or four weeks,'' Karim told reporters on Friday evening. ``I have already started practicing with tennis balls to get my eyes back in focus. I will strive to get back into the national team.'' Karim will leave for Calcutta on Monday after almost four weeks in Chennai.

Dr Badrinath, chairman of the hospital said that ``early diagnosis, prompt treatment and co-operation of the patient were responsible for the quick recovery. He is now fit to resume playing.'' Dr L Vijaya, who performed the `filtering surgery' on Karim, said the operation was successful. ``The recovery has been progressively satisfactory. His vision is normal and he can go ahead and play.'' Indeed, Karim had been a model patient, as also testified by Dr Lingam Gopal who treated the Indian wicketkeeper. According to Dr Gopal, ``Karim can get back to his sporting activities by mid-July.'' However, according to the doctors, it would be ideal for Karim to have a check up every year.

Karim on his part thanked his family members, team mates, friends and hospital authorities who he said were a constant source of strength to him during his stay. ``The concern of the doctors who treated me has been really wonderful. Besides, my friends, relatives and the cricketing fraternity evinced interest in my recovery. I am also thankful to the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association,'' said Karim.