Sachin Tendulkar to go to Sri Lanka despite a stiff back (19 August 1999)

19 August 1999

Sachin Tendulkar to go to Sri Lanka despite a stiff back

Anand Vasu

This evening, Sachin Tendulkar dispelled the fears of a whole nation. Earlier today, in a press conference, Gaekwad told the press that Tendulkar's participation in the Aiwa Cup was doubtful. When training yesterday, Tendulkar developed a stiffness in his back that made it very difficult for him to bat. Tendulkar was taken to the hospital yesterday evening for extensive medical tests. The results of the tests were known this evening.

He is fit and fine and will go to Sri Lanka to give his best for the nation. Tendulkar said that the medical reports came out fine, and that any stiffness was only temporary. Tendulkar went to the nets early this evening and found that he could bat without any discomfort. Gaekwad added that the tests were done as a measure of abundant precaution. The specialist doctors who were consulted by the team advised Tendulkar rest.

Tendulkar also emphatically said that this injury was not a recurrence of the injury he sustained while playing against Pakistan earlier this year. Tendulkar said that it was only a minor strain and that he was a hundred percent fit now. When asked whether he would take it easy for the first few matches, Tendulkar said that he had always tried his best. He said that he would go at all his matches with complete involvement. Tendulkar added that he drew inspiration from all the people who supported him and that this inspiration would make him carry on despite his niggling injuries.

When asked about Andrew Kokinos, Tendulkar said that they would definitely need a full-time physio to help with team fitness. He added that it was likely that they would get a replacement before the tour of New Zealand. Tendulkar also said that it was not right to compare the Indian team's fitness standards with the standards of teams like Australia and South Africa. He said that body structures were totally different and that the Indians were concentrating on their strengths.