Sachin Tendulkar on Saturday received throwdowns from Mumbai Indians' video analyst, raising hopes of returning to action ahead of the team's Indian Premier League match against Delhi Daredevils on April 16.
The batsman had missed Mumbai Indian's previous three games due to a finger injury sustained while fending a snorter from Doug Bollinger in the season's opener against Chennai Super Kings on April 4.
In Tendulkar's absence, Mumbai Indians have experimented with Ambati Rayudu and T Suman as partners for South African Richard Levi, without much success.
"He had started gym sessions yesterday at the BKC ground but did not do any batting practise. He has started practicing only today," a team source informed.
Tendulkar did not take part in the net session after facing the throwdowns, but is expected to do so on Sunday.
Team mentor and bowling coach Shaun Pollock had indicated that the cricketer would be available to play in the game against the Daredevils, a day before Mumbai Indian's previous match against Rajasthan Royals here on April 11.
He missed that tie, which MI won. He was also unable to play against Pune Warriors here and against Deccan Chargers in Vishakapatnam on April 6 and 9 respectively.
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