Tendulkar grieves India hopeful of star batsman's quick return Click here for more on this story Posted: Wednesday May 19, 1999 10:17 AM   Sachin Tendulkar left the World Cup Wednesday due to the death of his father. AP LONDON (Press Association) -- India is optimistic that star batsman Sachin Tendulkar will return to its World Cup squad for next Wednesday's group encounter with Sri Lanka at Taunton. Tendulkar pulled out of today's clash with Zimbabwe at Leicester and has flown back home following the death of his father Ramesh in Bombay. There were initial reports that the 26-year-old player would miss the remainder of the World Cup campaign. But Indian team manager Brijesh Patel is confident that Tendulkar, seen by many as the world's number one batsman, will return to England within the next seven days. "Sachin is obviously devastated by the loss of his father but has said he will try and be back with us for the Sri Lankan game," said Patel. "It is a hell of a setback for any side to miss a player of his ability and for him to return will be a big boost. But he missed the recent one-day series in India and the Sharjah Trophy and the boys are still feeling pretty confident." Patel confirmed that Sadagopan Ramesh would take over from Tendulkar as opening batsman and he has already shown himself to be a proven performer. In the Sharjah Trophy he scored 60 against England and 82 off the Pakistan attack when Tendulkar was missing with back spasms. That was the only change in the Indian line-up from the side beaten by South African at Hove in their opening game. Zimbabwe made two changes from the side that overcame Kenya at Taunton with Eddo Brandes and Henry Olonga replacing Andrew Whittall and Mpumelelo Mbangwa respectively. Zimbabwe coach David Houghton was expecting a wicket full of runs with assistance for the bowlers in the first hour or so. Press Association - the Source for UK News and Information   Related information Stories Indian punters spend millions on World Cup betting Real work begins for Zimbabwe against India South Africa opens World Cup campaign with a win Stats CNN/SI Sachin Tendulkar Player Page Multimedia Click here for the latest audio and video Search our site Watch CNN/SI 24 hours a day Sports Illustrated and CNN have combined to form a 24 hour sports news and information channel. To receive CNN/SI at your home call 1-888-53-CNNSI.

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