All speculations surrounding batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar's fitness came to an end on Monday when the man himself admitted that he is fit to play in the cash-rich Indian Premier League.

He will be seen in action when Mumbai Indians take on Chennai Super Kings at the Wankhede Stadium on Wednesday.

Talking to the media after a gruelling practice session, Tendulkar said that getting back in shape had been tough. "I will be playing in Wednesday's game. I have worked hard to get back. The physiotherapist and the masseur have helped me a lot to get back into shape and it's looking good."

For Sachin, who injured his groin during the first Test against South Africa, the injury break down has been a disappointing one. "I missed two tests and the first half of the Indian Premier League. In the first phase, I just had to rest and then later on I worked on strengthening my muscle. Now everything is fine" he said.

The 35-year-old said he feels comfortable playing all kinds of shots. "There is no discomfort for me in playing any of my shots," he remarked.

Sachin also revealed that it is he who will lead the Mumbai Indians team and not the stand-in captain Shaun Pollock. "I will be the captain as Shaun was a makeshift one and he did a terrific job in the side. It is all about helping each other. I am sure there is plenty of talking going around but what matters is what you do on the field," he said.

The batting maestro who has been following the Mumbai Indians performances keenly praised the team for its fight back in the last three games. "The first couple of matches were close but we couldn't compete in the third and fourth match. I wouldn't want to look at the negatives but we fought back well."

He also revealed that he will be opening with Sanath Jayasuriya in the match against Chennai Super Kings.