Master batsman Sachin Tendulkar [Images], out of action since last July because of an elbow injury, is likely to return to the field in mid-February.

India coach John Wright [Images] said Tendulkar, whose last match was a One-Day International on December 27, against Bangladesh, "has just started doing light exercises and will possibly play in the Duleep Trophy matches".

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The Duleep Trophy tournament will be held between February 15 and March 12. As the first two rounds of the inter-zonal tournament are scheduled before the Test series against Pakistan, all the top players are likely to make an appearance to prove themselves to the selectors.

"I spoke to him yesterday [Monday]; he sounded good. Sachin has been doing exercises since yesterday. [New physio] John Gloster will assess him; he is targetting the West Zone vs South Zone match (Feb 22 to 25)," said Wright.

"He [Tendulkar] had some problems in Bangladesh too but batted well. Come early March and, hopefully, he could be fully fit to play against Pakistan," he added.

Wright also dismissed doubts about left-arm paceman Irfan Pathan's [Images] fitness, saying, "The [groin] injury is not serious. He [Pathan] was rested [for the ongoing Challenger series] as a precautionary measure."

"Pathan is fit, but he needs more bowling in the nets. He was bowling well in the nets yesterday, at around 80 to 90 per cent, but after consultation with physio John Gloster and after speaking to Andrew Leipus in Adelaide we decided it would be better to give Pathan more time in view of the important series coming up against Pakistan.

"Pathan was keen to play yesterday, but it is important that he takes it up gradually. He will bowl an over or two tomorrow and then slowly build it up from there."

Wright further said if everything goes according to plan, Pathan could play the Duleep Trophy match [East Zone vs North Zone] on February 15.

"Pathan is a valuable member of the Indian side, so we decided not to rush him, since there is no need to do so."