Kolkata, Feb 13 (IANS) Batting genius Sachin Tendulkar's wish to pray at the famous Kalighat Kali Temple remained unfulfilled Saturday after his car was mobbed by a huge crowd and was forced to turn back.

Tendulkar, who had gone to the temple in south Kolkata after the team's net session ahead of the second Test against South Africa beginning Sunday, could not alight from his car as hundreds of his fans jostled to come near it.

Failing to make passage for Tendulkar, the escorting policemen did not want to take any risks and asked the driver to turn back.

Tendulkar seemed disappointed but kept a smiling face as he waved to the crowd. On every occasion in Kolkata, Tendulkar has visited Kalighat a day ahead of his match.

Later in the day, VVS Laxman offered prayers at the temple.