Anil Kumble says it would be a huge feat for Indian cricket if Tendulkar takes Brian Lara's all-time Test run-scoring record.

Sachin Tendulkar is back in the Indian side for the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka after recovering from a hamstring injury and needs only 171 runs to equal Lara's aggregate of 11,953 runs in Test cricket.

Tendulkar, 35, is expected to eventually go well past Lara's record and could achieve the feat in the three-Test series, which starts at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo on July 23.

"It's always a proud moment when one of our team-mates is close to a landmark," Kumble said.

"There is a sense of achievement not just for the individual, but for the team as well.

"But the most important factor is to go out there and ensure a series win. That will be at the top on every player's mind.

"I'm sure Tendulkar will cross the landmark at some point in time and it will be a huge achievement for Indian cricket.

"He's confident and has come back fresh from the break (induced by injury). He's looking forward to it."

Following a hectic recent schedule coach Gary Kirsten has sought to play down accusations the team does not practice enough in the lead-up to matches.

The Indian players have endured a jam-packed schedule this year beginning with their controversial two-month tour of Australia.

Since then they have hosted South Africa, travelled to Bangladesh for the tri-series before reaching the final of the Asia Cup earlier this month.

Most of the Indian players were also involved in the inaugural Indian Premier League.

Despite their heavy schedule Kirsten said: "Everyone's fine. There is a lot of talk which suggests that this team doesn't practice enough.

"This team practices a huge amount and with the demands on Indian cricket at the moment, the one-day cricket that is being played and the six weeks of IPL thrown in there, the balance between resting and practicing, it's a very fine balance.

"So we try and work at it out the best way we can.

"We have about eight days of preparation to get the guys ready for the first Test. It's an important match and it's critical to a very important Test series."