Colombo waits for a Tendulkar special

There are a few in Colombo who believe that Tendulkar is in for a grand Friday opening against New Zealand as India kick-off their tri-series campaign.

Returning after his injury lay-off,he seemed a bit rusty during Indias first net session here on Thursday,but there are a few in Colombo who believe that Sachin Tendulkar is in for a grand Friday opening against New Zealand as India kick-off their tri-series campaign.

Predictions about a Tendulkar special arent based on gut feeling,but on statistics. In 2005,Tendulkar missed tours to Sri Lanka,Zimbabwe and the Super Series in Australia because of a tennis elbow,and then scored a 96-ball 93 on his return. In 2006,Tendulkar returned from another break with a 146-ball 141 against the West Indies during a tri-series in Malaysia. Former Sri Lankan pacer Nuwan Zoysa recalls Tendulkars 93 at Nagpur. You cant doubt his brilliance,he really smashed us in that Nagpur match, Zoysa said.

India coach Gary Kirsten smiles when asked about Tendulkars post-injury highs. I really dont know about that. If he really does come back strongly after a break,we would love it, Kirsten told The Indian Express.

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Skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni understands the importance of Tendulkar at the top of the order,especially with both the regular openers,Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir,out of action. When you have the worlds top batsman as your opener,no team can have a problem. I know Sehwag and Gambhir are out,but we have Tendulkar and his presence itself is a big thing for the side, Dhoni said.

Ask Tendulkar if hes planning anything special for Friday and his response is non-committal. Ill only speak when I do something, he says with a smile.

Incidentally,Tendulkars last one-day innings was six months ago in New Zealand,where he scored 163. If he can just carry his Christchurch form to Colombo,the Kiwis will have reason to worry.

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