Gambhir's MRI scan okay, likely to play ODIs

Hove: The uncertainity over Gautam Gambhir's participation in the upcoming ODI series against England is all but over with the Indian opener likely to be fit for the five-match rubber, team manager Shivlal Yadav said here on Wednesday.

Yadav said Gambhir should be fine for next month's ODI series after his MRI scan did not show anything untoward.

Gambhir is critical to India's plans in the ODIs now that his fellow opener Virender Sehwag has been completely ruled out for the five one-dayers and one-off Twenty20 match.

Gambhir suffered the concussion after he backpedalled at mid-on in a bid to catch a miscued pull off Kevin Pietersen during the Oval Test. The chance was fluffed when he fell back and hit his head on the ground with a thud.

Even though speculation over his availability has died down after the MRI scan, the left-hander did not come out to practice with his colleagues.

The present series has been one of misfortune for Gambhir. He was painfully hit on his right elbow while fielding at forward short leg during the first Test at Lord's last month.

He subsequently had to miss the second Test at Trent Bridge. He did play the third Test at Edgbaston and scored 38 and 14 in the two innings.