Bangalore: Sachin Tendulkar who is recovering from tennis elbow is unlikely to be "fully fit" for the second test against Australia beginning in Chennai on October 14, noted orthopaedic surgeon Dr H P C Khincha said today.

Tendulkar, who consulted Khincha during his stay in Bangalore during the first Test which he could not play, should however be fit for the third Test at Nagpur starting on October 26, said Dr Khincha.

"Tendulkar is improving and has made slow and steady progress. He is much better and more comfortable compared to six weeks ago. But he has to build up the muscle and is unlikely to be ready for the Chennai Test", he said.

Dr Khincha said Tendulkar should be ready to play the Nagpur Test but hastened to add that the "pain factor is the key. It all depends on the gut feeling of Tendulkar".