Sachin will be missed in Caribbean series: Dravid

St Kitts, May 24 (UNI) Team India Captain Rahul Dravid said that the services of master blaster Sachin Tendulkar will be missed in the current Caribbean series.

Sachin is recovering from surgery on his arm and has ruled himself out of the West Indies tour. Sachin was to fly to London last night to consult Doctor Andrew Wallace, the surgeon who had operated on his shoulder.

''It is unfortunate that Sachin will not be available for the series. His experience would have come handy in the conditions here. We were looking forward to welcome him on the tour here. I haven't been told by the manager yet that he isn't coming but am sure he will be missed,'' said Dravid.

Dravid however felt that it was excellent chance for the youngsters to perform and rise to task. ''We have good young batsmen in the team. It is important for them to be counted when senior batsman is not here. It is excellent opportunity for guys like Raina or Rao to get noticed,'' said Dravid.

West Indies skipper Brian Lara too added that he was looking forward to a good performance by Sachin and his absence has come as a disappointment.

''We are all entertainers. It is disappointing, he is not here.

It's a big loss to the Caribbean fans as well. Anywhere India is playing people look forward to see Sachin in action. My wish for Sachin is that he get well soon and may be we can again play against each other in the Champions Trophy. I do wish him a speedy recovery,'' said Lara.

West Indies cricket fans were also disappointed that they would be missing the most prime of modern batting duels, the one between Lara and Tendulkar.

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