Ace leg spinner Anil Kumble said in Bangalore on Friday that he was feeling much better but not yet match-fit, as he returned home after a thorough check-up and rehabilitation programme for his shoulder injury in South Africa.

"I feel much better, and I have started bowling", Kumble told PTI on his return after undergoing treatment by renowned specialist Dr Fergusson. Asked if he was totally fit now, Kumble, who had undergone surgery to his shoulder in Johannesburg in January, said he was not yet 'match-fit'.

Kumble had just completed a three-week thorough check-up and rehabilitation programme to his bowling arm in South Africa, where he was accompanied by Dr Premchand Khincha. "I have started net practice", the Karnataka spinner said and expressed the hope that he would be available for selection for the South Africa tour from October." He added "But if I recover before the Sri Lankan tour in July-September, that will be a bonus."

Meanwhile, Indian physio Andrew Leipus, who is already in Bangalore for the Indian team's conditioning camp beginnning on May 13, said Kumble had shown remarkable improvement and he would be working with the spinner on his path to become fit.

The camp for the probables for the Zimbabwe tour would be held at the Chinnaswamy stadium, and Indian team coach John Wright said the focus would be on fitness and improving skills and building on the success against Australia.

© PTI