Elbow still in way, he says he can’t bat more than 15 balls

Speaking exclusively to The Indian Express today, Sachin described the impact of his tennis elbow. ‘‘Doctors were saying that I need complete rest. But yesterday they said I could start playing slowly. However, I can’t go and bat for 15-20 minutes, but just 15 balls at a time. Then I have to rest and go back the next day to bat for another 15-20 balls,’’ he says.

The problem is the muscle loss in his arm — caused by his six-week lay-off — which has to be made up for before he can bat again. ‘‘It’s very important to strengthen that muscle; if I try to rush into playing early there could be a repeat injury because the muscle is not strong enough to take the pressure of batting. So I can start practising again only when there is strength.’’

In the world of Sachin Tendulkar, any mundane injury mandates a few hundred words, an opinion piece, maybe an editorial. The last time his back packed up it catalogued more stories than any other Indian celebrity’s body part — save Aishwariya Rai’s foot.

‘‘There was a time when people asked me about my back before they said hello. It got to me,’’ says Tendulkar.

He said he’d meet Team India physio Andrew Leipus again ‘‘and check what the next course of action will be’’, hinting that his chances of playing the first Test against Australia were bleak.

Though Tendulkar believes India should fancy its chances against the world champions, given the recent Test history, he’s clear that one-day cricket is another issue.

What was the reason for India’s shambolic outing in ODIs this season? The question is his trigger.

Where he is Scrooge-like in giving out information on injuries, he talks cricket strategy like he bats: swift, assured, purposeful.

‘‘Maybe the batting order to a certain extent was responsible. It is important for batsmen to stick to their numbers, so you can plan what you are going to do out there in the middle. If you are not sure about your batting number then it becomes difficult to have a plan.’’

At the same time, he points out, ‘‘one-day cricket is about adjustments and one should always be prepared.’’

Tendulkar then says something that every Indian cricket-watcher will agree with: ‘‘I feel that somehow we haven’t gathered momentum since the Pakistan tour. I hope during this Test series the batters will put up a better show.’’

One potential problem area for India is the Test opening slot. Former Australian skipper Greg Chappell has suggested that Tendulkar fill that role — though he said it in the context of it being a challenge for Sachin that could stimulate him back into form.

Tendulkar, however, doesn’t agree. ‘‘I don’t think so. It is his opinion but I have never thought of it. It will be a different role altogether for which I am not mentally prepared at this moment.’’