An already bruised India may have to go into yet another Test against world champions Australia without their most successful batsman, Sachin Tendulkar.

Tendulkar, who missed the first Test, which India lost heavily in Bangalore on Sunday, is also virtually ruled out of the second Test, beginning in Chennai on Thursday.

One of the national selectors hinted on Monday that he has not recovered sufficiently.

"It is extremely unlikely that Tendulkar will be able to play at Chepauk. I think he has still not recovered from the injury," he said.

Noted orthopaedic surgeon Dr H P C Khincha also said Tendulkar's chances of playing in the second Test appear bleak.

"Tendulkar is improving and has made slow and steady progress. He is much better and more comfortable compared to six weeks ago. But he has to build up the muscle and is unlikely to be ready for the Chennai Test," he said.

Dr Khincha said Tendulkar should be ready to play the Nagpur Test.

"But the pain factor is the key. It all depends on the gut feeling of Tendulkar," he added.

The batting maestro has been out of action since mid-August due to a tennis elbow in his left hand and there is speculation that he might not be able to play at all in the remainder of the four-Test series.

The speculation is mainly based on the fact that Tendulkar has not had a full batting session in the nets so far. He was initially allowed to bat for 10 minutes or so by doctors and he now has just two days in hand before the first ball is bowled in the second Test.

Tendulkar is undergoing a rehabilitation programme, under team physiotherapist Andrew Leipus, to strengthen his muscles in the left hand.

The Chepauk stadium holds happy memories for the Little Master, who has scored four centuries in six Tests on the ground, including two in succession against Australia in 1998 and 2001.