The great agony that it has caused the masterblaster and the manner in which it has cropped up in news every now and then in the last one year, the term “tennis-elbow” ought to have now been known as Sachin-elbow or Tendulkar-tendon.
A final word has not been had on the subject yet and it is once again in the news, with the worrying factor at a higher level than before. Finally an elaborate surgery was reluctantly opted for and undertaken at a specialty hospital in London. Predictably, Tendulkar will be out of action for at least four months. What happens after the long period of convalescence, followed by physio-therapy, is anybody’s guess.
Doctors cannot guarantee anything just as yet. “We will have to look at his physical condition after 16 weeks,” was the last opinion expressed by the surgeon, who also added that tennis-elbow surgeries are rare.
The real problem, as Tendulkar explained, is not any restriction on the movement of the left arm as such. “I have played with the problem very much there and even scored a century.” According to him, “there is no stiffness, but the pain is excruciating and how much pain-killers can you take.”
This is the first major surgery that Tendulkar has had in the last five years, after a series of injury problems. First it was a painful back that was cured by just rest and physio-therapy. Then, it was a rare foot problem. After several expert medical opinions, that problem was overcome with the use of special footwear designed for him on the advice of an orthopedic surgeon in South Africa. The back of the palm swelling was next on the list of his woes. It was diagnosed as a case of calcification. This was the consequence of unknowingly carrying a hairline fracture and playing with it. It needed a minor surgery. And now the final attempt at curing his tennis-elbow.
Tendulkar, who arrived in Bombay Monday night, revealed that the decision to undergo surgery on his left elbow was taken after all other efforts had failed. He will be going back to England after a week’s stay to be part of a Tsunami Relief match at Lord’s where MCC will take on an International XI. He will not play but will help raise money.
Asked how he plans to spend the time away from cricket, he said: “The doctors have prepared an extensive rehabilitation program for me. I will be busy with that.”
The question that is being asked is whether Tendulkar will be his old self again and be able to play freely. The newly-appointed coach, Greg Chappell does not foresee an exuberant Tendulkar again, “But a vintage Tendulkar, most certainly.”
