Chennai, March 30 (IANS): India skipper Anil Kumble Sunday dispelled concern over injuries to himself and Sachin Tendulkar ahead of the second cricket Test against South Africa starting April 3 in Ahmedabad.

"It is just a niggle," said Kumble when asked about his absence from the field during the post-lunch period on the fifth and final day of the first Test that eventually ended in a draw here.

On Tendulkar's repeated trips to the dressing room through the day, Kumble said it was due to an upset stomach and also a "slight groin strain".

On persistent questioning, he admitted that Tendulkar had "aggravated" a niggle (groin strain) but said he was hopeful Sachin would be fit for the second Test.

Former team physiotherapist John Gloster had earlei this month submitted a report on the team's return from Australia, saying that Tendulkar was carrying a groin strain that required three weeks of rest. However, Tendulkar had claimed he was fully fit.

Regarding fast bowler Ishant Sharma, who sat out the first Test owing to a finger injury, Kumble said: "Ishant will remain in the squad for the second Test. We didn't play him here as a precautionary measure."