Physio’s take: Surgery to stretch Sachin career

But John Gloster, Team India’s physiotherapist, says it’s more good than bad for Indian cricket and Tendulkar himself. ‘‘This surgery will ensure that Sachin’s career is extended by a few more years. He might miss the next few series but will only come back stronger’’, he told The Indian Express.

‘‘The surgeon (Andrew Wallace) is among the finest in the UK and he has never had a case that has come back. That only means that the chances of Sachin’s complete recovery are very, very high. The worst-case scenario could be that it might not get better — but he won’t come back any worse.’’

Gloster, who was in London with Tendulkar during the 25-minute operation, says the batsman was in high spirits after the operation though a bit drowsy.

He says surgery was not the last but the best possible option to ensure Tendulkar’s career continued. ‘‘He was fine during the Pakistan series though we refused to say for certain what would happen. But he did really well during the series. We had already told him that there would be pain and occasional discomfort. But Sachin said it would be alright for him.’’

‘‘I am sure he had a few niggles and complaints during the series but he did not dwell on them. Mostly during the series his elbow was responding well,” Gloster says. ‘‘When he we met the specialist in London, he checked the scans and pointed out to some more degeneration. The problem was only getting worse. The final decision was Sachin’s keeping in mind his own career.’’

Gloster also says that the 16-week lay-off period is not a minimum but a loose timeframe for Tendulkar to get back to his full fitness. ‘‘After 16 weeks we’ll sit down and review the situation, the recovery and make a call.’’

Defending Sachin’s changed approach to his batting, Gloster said, ‘‘He has played for 16 years at 100 per cent at this level. Any sportsman will slow down. The body will wear off, it’s only natural.’’