Ace batsman Sachin Tendulkar arrived on Sunday to take part in the Dupleep Trophy match, starting on April 22, and had a two hour practice session at the newly built Visakha stadium.
Tendulkar was at the nets for more than an hour and enthralled the little crowd with his perfect drives off the bowling of Ajit Agarkar and Romesh Pawar.
The straight drives won appreciation from the spectators as Tendulkar, who batted for nearly 60 minutes in three spells, looked rejuvenated.
Earlier in the morning, Tendulkar, who was suffering from an elbow injury and had been out of action for a few weeks now, drove straight from Begumpet Airport to his hotel room and refused to speak to the media.
Hectic activity was seen at the new stadium on the eastern outskirts of the city, as it was bracing up to host the first major event — the Duleep Trophy tie between West Zone and South Zone — in which the top brass of Indian cricket would be seen in action.
The star studded high voltage contest would also serve as a testing ground for the venue for hosting internationals in the days to come.
{{/usCountry}}The star studded high voltage contest would also serve as a testing ground for the venue for hosting internationals in the days to come.
{{/usCountry}}South Zone captain Rahul Dravid and Anil Kumble are yet to arrive here even though the team is likely to do the net practice on Monday.
Later, Sachin had a two-hour practise session at the stadium and was seen executing his strokes with confidence. The straight drive on either side of the bowler won appreciation from the spectators.
The little crowd at the stadium was enthralled with the Little Master practising at the nets and playing with ease the bowling of Ajit Agarkar, Zaheer Khan and Romesh Pawar.
Tendulkar, who is easing his way back to the cricket pitch after resting his left elbow, looked rejuvenated and batted for nearly 60 minutes in three spells.
The West Zone players may have one more session at the nets while the South Zone will have practise on Monday, HCA officials said.
Hectic activity was seen at the new stadium on the eastern outskirts of the city as it was bracing up to host the first major event in which the top brass of Indian cricket would be seen in action.