Tendulkar: My finger is good now

Here's some good news for Sachin Tendulkar and Mumbai Indians fans. The batting legend confirmed to MiD DAY that his right index finger has healed. "It (finger) is good now," Tendulkar told MiD DAY after a practice session at the Mumbai Cricket Association's ground in Bandra Kurla Complex yesterday. Tendulkar batted in full zest for nearly two hours in the nets and the veteran batsman in all probability looks set to take the field against Kings XI Punjab at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday.

Upper cut: MI batsman Sachin Tendulkar in action at the Bandra Kurla Complex nets yesterday.u00a0Pics/Atul Kamble

Deft: Tendulkar tries to guide one behind square

He started off cautiously, trying to concentrate on middling the ball well. But as he got into his stride, Tendulkar started to unleash his signature strokes. It was a treat to watch the elegant straight and cover drives, the cut shot, and the inside-out shot over the cover region. The legendary batsman seemed to be in experimental mood as he played some shots which we may not have seen him executive in his near 23-year international career. He attempted the switch hit a number of times in spite of finding it tough to connect on a couple of occasions.

Innovative: Tendulkar rolls his wrists to play a 360 degree shot

Trademark: u00a0Tendulkar drives one down the ground

Another shot he played quite often was dabbing the ball in the third man region. He was also seen adapting to West Indies' Shivnarine Chanderpaul-like stance - a bit open-chested.

Sachin Tendulkar smiles after finishing a batting session yesterday

Tendulkar missed the last five games for Mumbai Indians after hurting his right finger while trying to fend a short one from Chennai Super Kings' Doug Bollinger in the Indian Premier League-V opener on April 4. He resumed training a few days before the Delhi Daredevils match last week, but there was still some discomfort felt. Mumbai Indians, meanwhile, will be hoping Tendulkar's return will boost the team. u00a0