KOLKATA, May 2: India's top batsman Sachin Tendulkar injured his right ankle on Wednesday during practice ahead of the team's tour of Bangladesh, a cricket official said.

“Sachin Tendulkar, while batting in the second session, has sprained his right ankle,” Surendra Bhave, the team's administrative manager, told reporters.

“The injury does not appear to be serious,” Bhave said, adding that Tendulkar was treated with ice and may have to go for medical tests and X-rays.

Tendulkar suffered the injury while negotiating a bouncer from fast bowler S. Sreesanth on the first day of a weeklong conditioning camp.

Tendulkar was seen by team physiotherapist John Gloster on the field, and he limped to the dressing room after some initial treatment. Television footage showed Tendulkar falling on the ground after being hit by the ball.

Tendulkar is the world's fourth highest Test run-scorer with 10,688 runs after Brian Lara of the West Indies, and Australians Allan Border and Steve Waugh.

The Indian team leaves for Bangladesh on May 7 to play three One-day Internationals, followed by two Tests. The one-dayers will be played May 10, 12 and 15, while the Tests will be held from May 18 and 25.

Tendulkar, who along with Saurav Ganguly has been rested from the one-day squad, will play in the Test matches.

India suffered an upset loss to Bangladesh at the just-concluded World Cup in the Caribbean, hastening the former champion's exit from preliminary round of the tournament.

India last toured Bangladesh in December 2004, when the hosts registered their first ever limited-overs international win on home ground – beating the more fancied India by 15 runs in their second match.—AP