Tendulkar to be back for Chennai Test?

Sachin Tendulkar, whose absence contributed in no small measure to India's utterly limp display in the ICC Champions Trophy, could be back in action within a fortnight. Dr Anant Joshi, the surgeon who examined him on his return to India earlier this week, told Press Trust of India that the best-case scenario could even see Tendulkar back in time to be part of the squad for the second Test, which starts in Chennai on October 14.

"Optimistically speaking, he would be able to play cricket in two weeks' time," said Joshi. "In a worst case scenario it may take even two months."

Tendulkar has been sidelined with tennis elbow, and hasn't played since the Asia Cup in July. Both Joshi and Andrew Leipus, the team physiotherapist, will be monitoring his progress over the next couple of weeks.

Ice and heat packs have been used as part of the treatment, in addition to massage of the affected area. And while in England, Tendulkar also tried shock therapy, a course of treatment which has been effective in other cases.

Though there are many volunteers to treat India's talisman, Joshi reckoned that rest and relaxation was the best way forward. Tendulkar himself is eager to get back in the fray, and was even exploring the idea of playing for Mumbai against Australia in a few days time.

That is highly unlikely, but the Mumbai Cricket Association are keeping their options open. Ratnakar Shetty, the MCA joint secretary, told The Hindu, "A slot has been kept open in case Tendulkar is able to play."