Tendulkar, who is regarded as one of the world's top batsman, has flown to India so he can be at the family funeral.

He misses India's World Cup clash with Zimbabwe but team officials hope he will return to England in time for the match against Kenya on Sunday.

Brijesh Patel: "Sachin is in a state of shock"

India team manager Brijesh Patel said: "Sachin is in a state of shock, he was very close to his father. His death was unexpected although he had been ill earlier but had recovered."

"Sachin flew home this morning but we hope to get him back to play against Kenya on Sunday or, in the worst case, next Wednesday against Sri Lanka," Patel added.