Irfan Pathan [Images] has recovered from a nagging side strain and would be available for selection for India's crucial Asia Cup match against Pakistan on Wednesday, coach Gary Kirsten said in Karachi on Tuesday.

Kirsten said Pathan has recovered from the side strain that forced him out of all the three Asia Cup games played by India.

• Sri Lanka romp into Asia Cup final

"Irfan has worked very hard with the trainer for the last few days to make a comeback and his availability is a definite plus point for us," Kirsten told reporters after the Indian team's nets session.

Tomorrow's game is crucial for Pakistan who face a do-or-die situation as a defeat would put them out of the final.

India is in a much better position and a win would put them in the title clash against Sri Lanka [Images], a repeat of the 2004 final in Colombo.

• Images: Team India chills out in Karachi

The Indian players enjoyed a two-day break from cricket after captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni [Images] complained that the tournament schedule was too tight and had left the players tired.

Kirsten said it was very important to give the players some time off from cricket.

"We are now back to cricket, but it is very important to give guys some time off from cricket. We did that and now guys are back and focusing on next two games," he said.