Sachin out with injury, Kaif drafted in for 2nd Test
Sachin Tendulkar has been ruled out for the second Test against South Africa beginning in Ahmedabad on April 3 because of a groin injury. The little master, we had abstained from the field for the entire fifth day of the first Test, had been advised to take rest for a couple of weeks after the Australian tour by the outgoing physio, John Gloster.
Mohammad Kaif has been named as Tendulkar’s replacement. Last appearing in a Test for India during the 2006 visit to the West Indies, Kaif had a highly impressive domestic season for Uttar Pradesh and Central Zone. He finished fourth in the list of run-getters, scoring 993 runs in 13 first-class matches at an average of 58.41.
Skipper Anil Kumble also suffered a groin strain and he also did not want to aggravate his injury as the Chennai game was headed for a certain draw. Whether he will be available or not will be known on April 2. The Indian physio is, however, confident that Kumble will become fit again for the second Test.
Ishant Sharma, who had injuries in his finger and toes, is looking good and will remain part of the squad. The form of R P Singh, who has just returned from injury and played in Chennai, continues to be a major concern for the Indian selectors.
