A South Africa team official says a hand specialist has advised Imran Tahir be given 10 days rest after he broke his thumb but selectors are still to decide if the legspinner plays in Saturday's World Cup game against India.

Spokeswoman Lerato Malekutu told the Associated Press on Thursday that Mike Solomons had advised Tahir be given a rest, but the fracture to his left thumb does not prevent him from bowling.

Pakistan-born Tahir, South Africa's highest wicket-taker at the tournament, suffered the injury taking a catch in Sunday's defeat to England.