That would mean, India may have to do without their main hope for even the March 30 game at Pune against Sri Lanka, April 1 match at Mohali against Pakistan and -- if India are in the final -- the day-night tie on April 4 at Bangalore.

Tendulkar flew back home today from London where he had gone for rest and medical check-up of his problematic back by Dr Ken Kennedy, a specialist who has treated the Chappell brothers, Ian and Greg, for a similar problems.

Dr Kennedy also made a thorough analyses of Tendulkar's strokeplay to study the kind and amount of exertion on his back muscles before making his suggestions: a two-week break as the joints inlower back were damaged and very stiff.

Tendulkar has been told by the doctor to do some back strengthening and stretching exercises. With a tendency to put on weight, Tendulkar now will have to take greater care that the back does not come in for greater pressure.

One of the immediate decisions he has to take to prevent long-term damage is to do some quick rethinking in continuing the use of one of the heaviest bats in the business. A lighter bat would means two things: adaptation to a different feel in the hands and coming to terms with shots travelling across the field at a lesser velocity.

Tendulkar is under considerable stress. Apart from his own health, there is the worry over his father Ramesh's recent hospitalisation because of cardiac problems. Though he is philosophical publicly, setbacks like this would affect a close-knit family person like Tendulkar.