India are feeling the effects of the three-month long tour to Australia with four of their players, including Sachin Tendulkar, doubtful for the Test series against South Africa, starting on March 26.

Tendulkar, Ishant Sharma, Harbhajan Singh, and Yuvraj Singh are required to rest for a minimum of two to three weeks, the Indian physio, John Gloster, has said in his report to the board.

According to the report, Tendulkar is suffering from tendonitis in the right hip region and will require a minimum of two weeks rest. Ishant is troubled by injuries to his toe and finger, Harbhajan has pulled a left hamstring, and Yuvraj's knee continues to be a problem. Yuvraj and Harbhajan could even have to undergo surgeries.

"He must ideally have three weeks break from cricket and excessive activities. He must try to do a lot of swimming, cycling and water running," Gloster, the outgoing physio, wrote in his last fitness report. "He must have a straighter approach when attacking the ball. He must take care while turning on the ball or else it could lead to instability which might need surgery."

All the players have been referred to Melbourne-based surgeon David Young. All the four injured players were part of both the Test and one-day squads and went through a gruelling tour that was not short of controversy.