Kumble may miss Zimbabwe series also

Faisal Shariff

India's spin sensation Anil Kumble says he may not be fit in time for the tour of Zimbabwe in June as the series clashes with his rehabilitation programme.

Speaking to rediff.com at the Chepauk, Kumble, who underwent surgery on his right shoulder last month, said, "It's too early to say. Doctors have said that my recovery would take anywhere between four to six months. I am supposed to get back my full range of movements in 12 weeks. It could be earlier. I could get my full range of movements by the tenth week. I don't know. Which means I can start my strengthening programme from the tenth week itself. But I don't want to rush. I don't want to come in again and have a problem."

Asked how he feels about missing the upcoming series against Australia, he said: "I have taken this thing in my stride. It's part of your career. You can't keep thinking about it. You have to be a little philosophical about this stuff. I just want to look forward and shift focus instead of thinking of what could have been. One day I'll be good and ready to go."

There were indications that the ace spinner would recover in time for the Zimbabwe tour. But he disagrees. "I wont be ready for the Zimbabwe series. That will be cutting it too fine. My rehabilitation will start only in the second week of April, which means I will go on till the end of April. So, within a month's time, I don't think I can come back for the Zimbabwe series. It's tough and I don't want to push. I would rather skip the Zimbabwe series; I think the South Africa tour looks more realistic."

Kumble's shoulder problem started during the tri-series in Sharjah last November and he missed India's home series against Zimbabwe towards the year-end.

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