Injured Sachin returns home

Johannesburg - Sachin Tendulkar has flown home from the one-day series in South Africa with a hamstring injury, handing India a World Cup worry with just a month to go until cricket's limited-overs showpiece.

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India team manager Ranjib Biswal confirmed Tendulkar had returned home on Sunday because of a right hamstring strain picked up in Saturday's victory in the second ODI.

Tendulkar made a record-equaling 444th ODI appearance as India clinched a thrilling one-run win at the Wanderers to level the five-match series 1-1.

The 37-year-old batsman made 24, but required treatment while batting and did not field. He has now been ruled out of the remainder of the series.

India will announce its 15-man World Cup squad on Monday. The World Cup begins on February 19.