Mumbai, Sep 17 - Indian opener Gautam Gambhir has been cleared to play in the Champions Trophy that begins in South Africa from Sep 22.

Gambhir had to return home from the One-day international tri-series in Sri Lanka last week because of a groin injury. He was advised rest for 10 days.

The left hander went through the fitness trials Thursday, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary N. Srinivasan said in a statement.

Gambhir's return is good news for the Indian team as they were struggling to find a good opening combination, with another opener Virender Sehwag already out of the side after a shoulder surgery.