Ishant Sharma, who was supposed to join the team in Ahmedabad, will now come directly to Kanpur. The find of India in Australia, the Delhi bowler is fighting to be fit in time for the Kanpur Test. Ramesh Powar, included into the team as a back-up spinner, will also join the team in Kanpur.

Munaf Patel, who may have to spearhead the pace department if Ishant fails to make it, reached here last night. The Bharuch bowler looked in good rhythm while bowling at the nets on Monday. He bowled in two spells of about 25 minutes each at the main Motera pitch.

Irfan Pathan and Piyush Chawla were the only other bowlers from the squad to bowl today.

After the Ahmedabad debacle, India was expected to boost their spin attack on a helpful track at the Green Park Stadium to draw the series. But now, with both the spin and pace attack dogged by injuries, the plot seems to have gone awry.

According to sources, while a few may recover in time, the hosts’ biggest worry is the injury of their captain. His possibility is 50-50 right now.

Kumble was off the field a little after lunch on the final day of the Chennai Test because of the groin injury but played in Ahmedabad despite concerns in the lead-up to the game.