India suffered twin jolts ahead of the third Test against Pakistan, as it emerged that Sachin Tendulkar and Mahendra Singh Dhoni are doubtful starters due to injuries.
"Sachin aggravated a mild knee problem from the ODI series while fielding in the Kolkata Test, "
captain Anil Kumble said.
"A specialist opinion was sought immediately on arrival in Bangalore and upon advice, an injection was administered. His condition continues to improve but if he fails to recover by tomorrow morning, we feel it's wise to call a backup. We have called Gautham Gambhir.
Kumble added that Dhoni's ankle injury, picked up during the ODI series, hasn't fully healed yet.
"Dhoni continued to play after getting his ankle strapped up. We were initially thinking of resting him for this game but after this new development about Sachin we still aren't sure at this point in time. A decision on him will be taken tomorrow morning. "
Kumble said that Dhoni needs seven days to get fully fit.
"It's not that he can't play with strapping. But it's important for us to look ahead as lots of cricket is coming up."
The injuries mean Yuvraj Singh may finally get a chance to play in his first Test match since July 2006, having sat on the sidelines as India's middle order has prospered in this series. Any final decisions, however, will be taken on the morning of the Test.
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