The Bradman of Indian cricket is battling a similar elbow injury to the one which hampered his 2004 season but he is expected to pad up in the opening Test against Australia in Bangalore early next month.
Tendulkar's form at the crease along with the bowling of spin twin destroyers Harbhajan Singh and Anil Kumble hold the key to India avenging their shock 2-1 series loss in 2004 on home soil.
Agarkar, regarded as one of Tendulkar's best friends, was asked in Brisbane how long he thought India's little master could keep playing.
“It's his call but maybe we'd like him to play forever, although that's not going to happen,'' said Agarkar, who will lead a young Kolkata Knight Riders squad in six Twenty20 games against the Queensland Bulls starting this weekend.
“Obviously form and fitness will depend how long he goes on for.
“We'd like him to play for a bit longer if he can.''
Tendulkar's record-breaking feats with the willow have been largely responsible for much of India's success over the past decade.
Despite India's batting depth, it would be a serious blow if Tendulkar's latest arm injury kept him out of the upcoming series, with the first Test starting on October 9.
Both world-class batsmen VVS Laxman and Rahul Dravid are currently struggling for runs and India leans so heavily on Tendulkar in times of trouble.
“Over the years, he's probably played his best against Australia so you'd want to have him firing if India want to have a good series,'' said Agarkar, a handy Test and one-day all-rounder.
Reports out of India suggested Tendulkar would be fit to renew hostilities with Australia.
He is skipping the Irani Cup where the Rest of India play Delhi in Vadodara to rest his elbow.
But captain Kumble said he expected the little master to be fit in time to join the Indian camp in Bangalore ahead of the first Test.
“Sachin needed time to get 100 per cent fit for the Test series,'' Kumble said.
“He's a great player and has done exceptionally well against Australia.
“The most important thing was to allow him get to that 100 per cent.'
“The most important thing was to allow him get to that 100 per cent.'
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