Master batsman Sachin Tendulkar says the Indian cricket team will miss the services of South African fitness trainer Adrian Le Roux, who took up a similar role with the South African team on Sunday.

"He had different set of exercises for each player and within a short span of time the players' fitness improved by leaps and bounds, which reflected in the overall performance of the team. Obviously, we will miss him," he said.

"In fact, he personally saw to it that each and every member of the team goes through the exercises scheduled for him and all of us felt the fitness level increase to a great extent.

"I am sure the cricket Board will find a replacement soon," he added.

On his finger surgery in a Balitmore hospital in the United States recently, Tendulkar said he will be totally fit by the time the home series against New Zealand begins in October.

"There is no pain now and the operation on my ring finger was a success. However, I will have to go through the rehabilitation process -- pressing tennis balls and other finger exercises for the next three months.

"The time spent with my family after the operation has also helped me relax; the past five weeks was quality time spent with my family," Tendulkar said.