Kolkata, Sept. 1: The Board of Control for Cricket in India is hopeful of getting Anil Kumble’s service for the forthcoming ICC Champions Trophy. BCCI secretary Niranjan Shah indicated as much, though he put the onus on the national selection committee for the ace leg spinner’s return to the ODI squad.

"Team physiotherapist John Gloster, after his initial assessment suggested that Kumble would be available for the Champions Trophy. However, we will get a final report only on September 3," Mr Shah told this newspaper. "If he is declared fit then it will be up to the selectors to decide on his entry," the secretary added. Incidentally, a 14-member Indian squad for the Champions Trophy will be picked on Sunday. Team for the triangular series in Malaysia — Australia and West Indies being the other two participating countries — will also be announced on that day. The squad for the tri-series will consist of 15 members.

It is learnt that Kumble, whose Surrey stint has been cut short after being diagnosed with tendonitis in right shoulder, is recuperating steadily under Gloster’s supervision. Basically it is a recurrence of an old injury and rest has been advised. Kumble has 329 wickets from 264 ODIs. The last time he played in India colours in a one-dayer was in the IOC Cup final in Colombo in 2005. The team management, however, repeatedly said that he was "very much in their scheme of things for the World Cup."

Meanwhile, ex-skipper Sourav Ganguly, who is among the 30-member problables for the Champions Trophy may make it to the first 14, should the board issue a directive from behind the scene, to the selection committee. Mr Shah, however, affirmed that the board by no means would intervene in the selection process. Zaheer Khan too stands a chance to get into the squad.