Master batsman Sachin Tendulkar will need at least two weeks to regain full fitness from the tennis elbow injury he is down with.

Dr Anant Joshi, who examined the master batsman earlier this week, said, "Optimistically speaking he would be able to play cricket in two weeks' time. In a worst case scenario it may take even two months." Tendulkar, who has been sidelined with the affliction since the Holland tri-series in the third week of August, is in constant touch with Dr Joshi and Indian team physiotherapist Andrew Leipus who are monitoring his progress.

"Rest, ice/heat packs and gentle massage" are the types of treatment that have been recommended to the champion batsman since he underwent electric shock therapy in England," Dr Joshi added. Asked whether osteopathy can give the desired result as claimed by an osteopath recently, Dr Joshi said, "There are all types of people willing to treat Sachin's elbow with all kinds of treatment. "Rest is the best treatment for the malaise," Dr Joshi added.

Tendulkar has expressed fervent hope to play against the visiting Australians in the three-day tour opener against Ranji Trophy champions Mumbai, commencing in Mumbai on September 30. "A slot has been kept open in case Tendulkar is able to play," Mumbai Cricket Association joint secretary Ratnakar Shetty said.