Asia Cup 2008

Concern over Pathan's fitness

Cricinfo staff

June 23, 2008

India have a minor concern before their Asia Cup campaign takes off with reports that allrounder Irfan Pathan has suffered a side strain after the Kitply Cup last week. "It is a minor injury and he might sit out for one-odd game," Niranjan Shah, the BCCI secretary, told Cricinfo.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, India's captain, also said that Irfan was unlikely to take part in the first game against Hong Kong on Wednesday. "It's not a concern but Pathan has a side strain and we may rest him in the first match but he will be okay by the second game (against Pakistan on Thursday)."

Pathan was set to visit the MRF Pace Foundation in Chennai last Saturday to discuss his bowling with TA Sekar, the chief consultant. However, failed to turn up for the session. "He wanted to discuss certain aspects about his technique but later on, reported about some stiffness," Sekar said. It was also reported that Nitin Patel, the team physio, had noted that Pathan was 50% fit and will need rest to recover completely.

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