Sachin set to wind up training at MRF, regales two young fans

Chennai, May 18 (UNI) Ace batsman Sachin Tendulkar, about to complete his training at the MRF Pace Foundation as part of his rehabilitation following surgery to his right shoulder, entertained two special visitors today.

Six year-old Abhishek and his ten year-old brother Akhilesh came to the Foundation accompanied by their mother and grandfather, and sat through their idol Sachin's training session watching him in the gym and later bat at the nets. Why did Sachin invite the two fans: thereby hangs a tale.

Two years ago, Abhishek and Akhilesh had sent Sachin greetings in the form of a small poem through their grandfather, who was a colleague of Sachin's father in law in Pune.

Sachin replied to their letter observing that he was happy that he had such nice fans who inspired him to give of his best for the country.

Enlarging Sachin's letter to them, the boys pasted it on a cardboard along with an action picture of Sachin in colour and got his autograph again.

Sachin was meeting them for the first time since receiving their birthday greetings.

Meanwhile, the master-blaster, who told the media that he would address a press conference tomorrow, put in another day of work out in the afternoon. He has been training in the gym at the five star hotel where he has been put up in the mornings along with physios Andrew Leipus and Ramji Srinivasan.

However, Andrew Leipus's scheduled interaction with the press did not come about with the latter informing the journalists that the BCCI, which has sent him to monitor Sachin's progress and training in Chennai, has barred him from talking to the media till Sachin gives his medical examination in Mumbai.

UNI VV DH RK2018