We will definitely miss Tendulkar, says Franklin

Tendulkar is down with a toe injury, which flared up during the Indian team's just-concluded disastrous tour of England, where it failed to win a single international match.

"He is a massive player, and had a great IPL. So we'll definitely miss him, but it is an opportunity for someone else to step up and prove his worth," Franklin said.

After a decent outing in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Franklin is now looking forward to the upcoming tournament, qualifying matches of which are starting tomorrow.

"I am happy I could contribute for the team in the IPL, and would certainly like to carry on the good effort into the Champions League as well. I would be happy if I can contribute with the bat as well as the ball, and help my team win matches. I am looking forward to the
match against Chennai Super Kings next week," he said.

As far as the conditions go, the Kiwi all-rounder is fully aware of what to expect.

"The conditions would be tough here, as it always had been. I have been training hard for the series, and would like to see the outcome of my training. I have lost weight, and I'll push myself, though I had never been express quick."

Franklin also seemed to be eager to play in front of the sub-continental crowd.

"Well, every format has it challenges, and I certainly loves playing all three. T20 is an exciting format, the bowlers and batsmen go hard at each other. It's massive in the sub-continent, the stadiums are packed and they make a lot of noise.

"The crowd will want value for their money, and it’s a fabulous feel every time you step into a sub-continent stadium," he said.