Tendulkar, Dhoni doubtful for Bangalore Test

India’s batting backbone Sachin Tendulkar is doubtful to play in the final Test against Pakistan in Bangalore on account of a knee injury.

Addressing a press conference, Anil Kumble said “Sachin, while fielding in the Kolkata Test, aggravated a knee problem from the ODI series.” He further added that a specialist’s opinion was sought and Sachin was administered an injection. As a back-up, Kumble said, Gautam Gambhir had been drafted in. Gambhir was part of the ODI team and is likely to replace Tendulkar if he is unfit tomorrow.

The Indian team is sweating on the fitness of its key players as vice captain MS Dhoni too, has not fully recovered from the ankle injury he picked up during the ODI series. Yuvraj Singh, who has been knocking on the doors for a place in the playing eleven, might get a look in as Dinesh Karthik would play the dual role taking charge of wicket-keeping duties. Yuvraj had last played in Tests in 2006 against the West Indies at Kingston.

Zaheer Khan, RP Singh and Sreesanth are already ruled out due to injuries.

Younus Khan to lead Pakistan
Uncertainty over the appointment of Pakistan’s captain for the final Test against India is over as Younus Khan has agreed to lead the side for the series decider.

Khan had captained the side for the Kolkata Test and also scored a match-saving century in the second innings. He first led Pakistan against the West Indies and was later appointed captain for the 2006 ICC Champions Trophy.

He also said that Pakistan would give its best to square the series and will seek inspiration from the 2005 series where the tourists won the final Test. “That win is a motivation and positive thinking is a key to win the series.”