The duo, who are not in India's Twenty20 squad, were drafted into the New Zealand and Australian Masters' teams respectively after discussions with the New Zealand Cricket Players Association (NZCPA).

Tendulkar will turn out for NZCPA Masters while Karthik will wear opposition team Australian Cricketers' Association Masters' colours in the Twenty20 game which will see retired players of New Zealand and Australia, including Stephen Fleming, Dion Nash, Darren Lehmann and Ian Healy, in action.

"This is a great opportunity for Tendulkar and Karthik to have a few hits in the middle. We are happy to work with the Players Association to bring them into the masters teams," said India coach Gary Kirsten.

There was also a proposal of Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman, Murali Vijay, Laxmipathy Balaji, Amit Mishra and new fast bowling find Dhawal Kulkarni turning out for provincial teams in New Zealand domestic championship to gain match-practice before the three-match Test series starting on March 18.