Injured Kumble may miss final

Sharjah, October 27 : India’s spinning ace Anil Kumble might have to miss the final of Coca Cola Cup tri-series against Sri Lanka on Sunday with a bruised shoulder bone for which he needs rest for 3-4 weeks.

Coach Anshuman Gaekwad, however, only confirmed that Kumble is ruled out for the inconsequential last league match against Sri Lanka on Friday. “He has a bruised shoulder bone and a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been done. Experts feel he needs rest for 3-4 weeks,” Gaekwad said on Thursday after India moved into the finals defeating Zimbabwe by three wickets. “It has been hurting him (Kumble) while bowling,” he said.

If the injury persists, Kumble might also miss the inaugural Test match of Bangladesh to be played in Dhaka from November 10.

After Rahul Dravid, Kumble is the second blow through injuries in the Indian squad. The Indian team management has not asked for any replacement, perhaps not willing to leave the option of playing him in Sunday’s (October 29) final.