Putting to rest speculation about his injury, SachinTendulkar said he was fully fit and looking foward to a good season in theforthcoming series against Pakistan.
"I'm fully fit and preparing for the big seriesahead," Tendulkar said before going for nets at the Visakha Stadium inHyderabad, which will host the Duleep Trophy match between West Zone and SouthZone from tomorrow.
On the ensuing series, Tendulkar said, "Pressurewill be there as any sport at the highest level has its own pressure." Buthe did not agree that the recent performance of Pakistan against Australia andthe Indian show across the border will be indicators for the coming series.
Advertisement
"Every series is fresh and we have to play thegame as per our strength," he said.
The senior-most player in the Indian squad, Tendulkarevaded a direct reply when asked if he was in favour of shuffling the battingorder.
"It's for Saurav and others to decide as to whowill play in which slot," he said.
On his condition, the master blaster said "Whatever my doctors and physiohave asked me to do, I have done and I think I'm well and looking for a goodseason ahead."
Sachin, who was wearing an elbow strap at the netsyesterday, said he had been advised to wear it during practice as a precautionand he had absolutely no problem.
Advertisement
"Last week, I had a session with my physio JohnGloster, who is the best in the field, and I am doing what I am asked to do. Hehas vast experience and is extremely good," Sachin said.
"I'm here for preperations for the big day andwill eventually do what the specialists say is right for me as I have noknowledge about the science," the ace batsman said adding, "I have towait and see how it works.
Sachin said his physio advised him to prepare in aparticular way for the Duleep Trophy match and he would be following theinstructions.
Asked if he was confident of his fitness and thephysiotherapy he had undergone, Sachin said "I think I'm fit, that's thereason why I'm here to play the match. If something happens in the course ofpractice or a match... well, we can't say."
On the controversy over cricketers being advised not towear the Tricolour on the playing gear, Sachin said, it's for the cricket boardto decide on the issue.
"As an Indian I feel that we should wear Indiancolours. But it's for the BCCI to decide on the issue. As an Indian I feel proudto wear Indian colours," he said.
PTI
