The little master Sachin Tendulkar is struggling with his fitness and therefore can be unavailable for the start of the Indian Premier League, which gets under way on Friday.

“I am yet to recover fully from the injury,” he told the Asian Age.He added: “I am a little disappointed that I was not able to play in the two important matches against South Africa.The physiotherapist and the doctor had earlier advised me to rest and now they have given me exercises and I am following their advice.”

Mumbai open their IPL campaign against Bangalore Royal Challenges on Sunday.