Gambhir declared fit

Gautam Gambhir is set to feature for India in the ICC Champions Trophy

India’s opening batsman Gautam Gambhir has been declared fit to play in the ICC Champions Trophy by the Board of Control for Cricket in India.

Left-handed batsman Gambhir suffered a groin injury during a domestic match last month and aggravated the injury during training on the eve of India’s first match against New Zealand in the Compaq Cup in Colombo.

Gambhir was advised rest for 10 days and returned home, while Virat Kohli took his place in the side for the triangular one-day series.

Gambhir underwent rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy in Bangalore and was pronounced fit after trials in Mumbai today. Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni said he was pleased with Gambhir’s recovery.

“It’s a relief that Gambhir is back because he solves the problem of opening,” Dhoni said.

“We have had three players in the opening slot – Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag and Gambhir - but with Sehwag out due to injury the opening pair has been a problem. Now that Gambhir is fit, it augurs well for us.”

India are due to leave tomorrow for Johannesburg and will take on Pakistan in their first match on September 26.