India batsman Gautam Gambhir has declared himself fit the for the latter stages of the World Twenty20 ahead of his side’s opening Super Eights match against Australia (India evens Australia 4/5) on Friday.

The left-hand opener missed Sunday’s win over South Africa (4/6 to beat New Zealand) in the group stages of the tournament because of a groin strain and there were doubts whether he would feature again for the sub-continent nation.

Gambhir only made four in India’s opening match against Afghanistan and there are question marks over whether the 28-year-old should return to the side after his replacement Dinesh Karthik made 16 against South Africa.

India face Australia at the Kensington Oval on Friday where the pitch is set to be hard and fast, suiting short-pitched bowling, an aspect of the game Gambhir has struggled against in the past.

Despite concerns over how the pitch will play Gambhir (3/1 top batsman) has said he is ready to return to the side and is backing India to continue their winning run at the expense of the Aussies.

“I am fit and feeling strong. I am looking forward to the big games. These are really important matches and I am looking forward to playing a big role in that,” said Gambhir.

“Zaheer, Harbhajan and Ashish have done really well. They look to dismiss the opposition. That is the only way of how you can restrict the teams. By getting wickets it gives us the momentum and sets up the match for us.”

India begin the Super Eights stage of the tournament against Australia followed by games against West Indies and Sri Lanka.