Gambhir hopes to be back in time for CT and Champions League

Gambhir hopes to be back for Champions Trophy and Champions League

New Delhi, September 13: Gautam Gambhir, who had to miss the tri-series in Sri Lanka on account of a groin strain is confident that he will be back in time for the Champions Trophy and then the Champions League.

"I will be fit before the Champions Trophy," said Gambhir, who is undergoing rest and rehabilitation in Bangalore. "It's a groin strain, so it would have taken me a week to 10 days - and our first Champions Trophy game is on the 26th. I want to get fit before that."

His withdrawal from the tri-series seems to be more precautionary in nature.

Gambhir is undergoing rehabilitation under the supervision of the physio-trainer team of Paul Chapman and Paul Close at the National Cricket Academy in Bangalore.

Gambhir seemed to have aggravated a groin strain during the nets in Colombo. He had to return home and he was replaced by Virat Kohli.

Gambhir recently played in the BCCI Corporate challenge for ONGC, who lost in the semi-finals.

Delhi Daredevils’ wicket-keeper Dinesh Karthik opened the batting with Sachin Tendulkar.

Karthik had opened the Indian batting did during India's last ODI series in the Caribbean in July. Karthik was partnered with Gambhir against the West Indies and scored 118 at 39.33, including a career-best 67 in game one at Jamaica.

Injuries have led to both Indian openers, Gambhir and Virender Sehwag missing the tri-series in Sri Lanka. While Gambhir is expected to be fine in 10 days time for the Champions Trophy in South Africa, Sehwag, recovering from a shoulder injury, will return to Delhi Daredevils squad for the Champions Legaue from October 8.