Gautam Gambhir has been ruled out of the Compaq Cup tri-series between India, New Zealand and Sri Lanka with a groin injury. He has now flown back to India and will undergo rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), as the team will wait for his fitness for the Champions Trophy later this month.
Virat Kohli has been chosen to replace Gambhir, but it is not yet certain who will open the innings. He will reach Sri Lanka only on the day of the first game, which will make it difficult for him to don the opening slot. Gambhir was the designated opener for India, and in all probabilities, Sachin Tendulkar had been expected to open the innings with him. However, there is a strong possibility now that Tendulkar will bat at the top of the order with Dinesh Karthik.
Gambhir had strained his groin during practice in Sri Lanka. However, he had first injured it while playing in BCCI’s Corporate trophy, just before flying down to the country. Earlier, his original opening partner, Virender Sehwag, had also injured his shoulder and had been ruled out of the tournament. Indian captain, M.S.Dhoni has said that while the Gambhir absence will be sad, it will not adversely affect the Indian side in any way as they had the back-up side to performa to their potential.