Mumbai (PTI): Mumbai Indians badly needed captain Sachin Tendulkar to maintain their winning momentum but the master batsman is still unlikely to make his Indian Premier League debut in their match against Rajasthan Royals on Wednesday.

“I don’t know whether I will play tomorrow or not. I am working on my fitness with my physio now. I think I will play when I become fit,” said Tendulkar, who is nursing a groin injury.

The Mumbai icon player said he has been under no pressure from any quarter to start playing in the IPL, though he wanted to be in the thick of action as soon as possible and help his side maintain the winning momentum after winning the last two matches.

“I want to play in the IPL as soon as possible. But, I have not been under any pressure. My team owner (Mukesh Ambani) told me to concentrate on recovery from my injury, so I will play when I am fit,” he said.

Asked how he felt on being honoured with Padma Vibhushan, Tendulkar said, “I am happy that the Government has given recognition to my contribution.”

Source: hindu.com