Sachin Tendulkar's role as fielder will be restricted in the first few matches on his return to the Indian team, coach Greg Chappell said on Friday.

"He is ready to play but he is not absolutely 100 percent fit. He cannot do long distance throwing," Chappell, who arrived in Bangalore ahead of the Indian team's cricket camp from Sunday, said.

The former Australia captain said Tendulkar, who is back in the team after a four-month gap following surgery on his shoulder in March, will field within the 30-yard circle in the first few matches.

"For everything else, he is looking pretty good. He made a few runs in England. We have to nurse him through the initial couple of matches.

"We have to give him the confidence as far as throwing is concerned," Chappell said.

He, however, denied there were doubts about Tendulkar being fit for the 2007 World Cup in the West Indies.

"He has an important part to play. I expect him to be fit. But what happens in 10 months' time from now, who knows?

"As a bowler, batsman and fielder, he has an important role to play. He is the senior member of the team.

"What we have to do is to pull all that experience in Sachin's head and give it to others."

Chappell said the tour of the West Indies taught the players the importance of keeping their guard always on.