IPL5: Tendulkar's injury not that serious, reveals Harbhajan Singh

The Mumbai Indians captain Harbhajan Singh his hopeful that Sachin Tendulkar will be fit for the IPL match against the Pune Warriors India, to be played at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.

Speaking to media reporters ahead of the match against the Warriors, the out of favour Indian off-spinner, who replaced master blaster Sachin Tendulkar as the Mumbai captain after the latter relinquished the role ahead of the tournament, said that the X-ray of Tendulkar’s injured hand has shown nothing serious and he will hopefully be available for Friday’s game.

"Nothing has come in the x-ray. We are hopeful he will play tomorrow [Friday]," Harbhajan said at the pre-match press conference here in Mumbai on Thursday night.

The 38-year-old Maharashtra batsman, who notched up his much awaited hundredth international century during the Asia Cup last month, sustained the injury while batting in the IPL5 opener against the Chennai Super Kings at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai on Wednesday night. On the penultimate ball of the ninth over, Sachin got hit on his right index finger by a short, rising ball from the CSK’s overseas pacer Doug Bollinger and he retired hurt after facing the next ball on 16.

Although Sachin’s injury did not make a difference on Wednesday, as by that time the tourists were well on course for a comfortable eight wicket win, thanks to Richard Levi’s pugnacious half-century knock, which came off just 35 deliveries.

The turbanator also thanked Sachin for his support.

"His support has been immense. Without his support, it would have been difficult [to captain team]. He's always there to guide us whether he's [the] captain or not. He's always been there for all of us, not just [for the] IPL but throughout my career, whenever I needed him," the Mumbai skipper added further.

Harbhajan had led the Mumbai Indians to the 2011 Champions League T20 title last year, in the absence of Sachin Tendulkar, who was recovering from a recurring toe injury he had sustained during the England tour last summer. Bhajji said that although the master blaster was not part of the CLT20 squad his support and guidance helped him a lot.

“He was not there in the 15 as he was injured, but his support and guidance was very important. Without his support, I don't think we would have won the title," said Harbhajan.