Anil Kumble is unlikely to play in the second Test against Australia in Mohali, starting Friday.
India's captain could bowl only eight overs in the second innings of the drawn opening Test in Bangalore because of a sore shoulder and since then there's been much speculation about his fitness.
Kumble though expectedly tried to keep the suspense factor intact.
"We will take a final call in the morning after seeing how it [his shoulder] responds," he said, trying his best to end all talk regarding his participation.
The 38-year-old did not bowl in the team's practice session on Wednesday, saying, "I wanted to take rest."
And though he claimed to have had a bowl during Thursday's practice session -- held indoors due to rain -- the media was not allowed to watch the training, which led to further doubt.
Kumble's Australian counterpart, Ricky Ponting, was rather practical in his assessment of the leggie.
"He might not play," said Ponting. "I spoke to him after the Bangalore Test and he said he was in pain.
"But we do have to prepare for both eventualities -- as if he is playing or as if he isn't."
However, if Kumble does decide to take a chance and field himself in, the decision will be influenced by his impressive record at Mohali more than anything else.
He featured in all the seven Tests played at the PCA stadium and captured 36 wickets, winning the man-of-the-match award twice.
He admitted that the venue is somewhat special.
"I enjoy bowling here," confessed Kumble. "And I also like the fact that it has something on offer for everyone."
