The 23-year-old left-handed batting star was hurt during the recently concluded Titan Cup triangular series when, during routine net practise, a hard hit by Javagal Srinath landed on Ganguly's shin. Though a hairline fracture was initially suspected, X-rays ruled it out. However, the swelling on Ganguly's shin persisted despite medical attention.

``Doctors have advised that I use crutches to reduce the strain on my leg,'' Ganguly, contacted at his residence, indicated. ``I can't say for sure if I will be medically cleared for the Ahmedabad game.''

Medical opinion is that if Ganguly were to put pressure on his foot by playing next week, it could aggravate the existing injury and thus hamper his future prospects. ``They have said that instead of taking such a risk, I should concentrate on being fit for the second Test, at Calcutta, on November 27,'' Ganguly said.

With this, another option for filling the opener's berth has been ruled out. A day earlier, Navjot Singh Sidhu had virtually ruled himself out of contention for a Test berth by opting out of the Board President's XI squad for a three day warm up game against South Africa, citing 'unfitness' as the reason.

The national selectors, expected to announce the team for the first Test only on Monday, now find themselves in something of a quandary. During the Titan Cup triangular series, Sujith Somasundar of Karnataka had been tried and found wanting. Earlier, Vikram Rathore of Punjab had proved less than capable of manning the crucial opening berth. W V Raman of Tamil Nadu, who was considered for the Titan Cup final, had to opt out thanks to a previously scheduled operation, and it is unlikely that he will be declared medically fit in time for the first Test. And Sanjay Manjrekar, who was given a chance to open for India during the Titan final at the Wankhede last week, proved less than in championship form.

So who does that leave?

It's a question the selectors will need to answer, and soon.