Sachin Tendulkar [Images], who is yet to play his first ball in the Indian Premier League, could feature in the crucial next tie against Chennai, Mumbai Indians coach Lalchand Rajput said on Sunday.

"Sachin has been batting for the last two days during practice and we are hoping that he will be playing the next match," Rajput said.

A groin injury has kept Tendulkar out of the IPL so far but the batsman has been practising with the team during the last two practice sessions.

Rajput said the presence of Tendulkar in the team would lift the morale of the side ahead of crucial game.

"It has been good for morale to be winning before he (Tendulkar) was in the team and him coming back will further boost our players and put pressure on the other teams," Rajput said.

Tendulkar, if fit ahead of the match on May 14 is also likely to take over as captain, with South African Shaun Pollock [Images] stepping aside. 

"Pollock's contribution to the team has been immense but when Sachin comes everyone will revolve around him," Rajput said.

Tendulkar is likely to open the innings with Sri Lankan Sanath Jayasuriya.

Mumbai have won three matches out of seven so far and are placed in the bottom half of the team standings with seven games to go.