Tendulkar undergoes surgery on elbow

Sachin Tendulkar: laid low by a dodgy elbow © Getty Images Enlarge

Sachin Tendulkar could be ruled out of international cricket for 16 weeks after undergoing surgery in his left elbow. According to The Asian Age, Tendulkar was operated upon in London on Monday.

Speaking about the surgery, Dr Andrew Wallace, the orthopaedic surgeon who examined Tendulkar, told the daily: "Sachin Tendulkar was admitted on Monday to the St John and St Elizabeth Hospital for treatment to his left elbow. He underwent a surgical procedure under local anaesthetic for a condition affecting the extensor tendons. The procedure was successful and there were no complications. He is expected to be discharged tomorrow and make a full recovery. He should be fit to play top-level cricket in approximately 16 weeks."

SK Nair, the BCCI secretary, added that the board was waiting for an update on the situation from John Gloster, the Indian team's physiotherapist. Talking to AFP, Nair said: "We are waiting for a medical report as Gloster is also with Tendulkar in England."

Tendulkar has been bothered by a tennis elbow and missed plenty of cricket last year. If the recovery period does take as long as indicated, then Tendulkar will definitely miss the triangular one-day tournament in Sri Lanka which starts on August 1, and could also be ruled out of the tour to Zimbabwe in September. He should, however, be fit to take on the Australians in the Super Series, which will be held in October.