India paceman Zaheer Khan has been ruled out of the remainder of his side’s tour of England after being told he requires ankle surgery, it was reported Sunday. Zaheer, who is also suffering from a hamstring strain, is expected to undergo surgery that could keep him out until November. A statement from the Board of Control for Cricket in India read: “Zaheer Khan is suffering from a recurrent right hamstring strain and a right ankle impingement. “He will require a surgery for his ankle, followed by intensive rehabilitation for both the ankle and hamstring. He will need at least 14-16 weeks to recover completely.
“He will therefore not be able to participate in the ongoing Test series and subsequent T20 International and ODI series against England.” The 32-year-old Zaheer, a crucial part of the Indian Test team which is 2-0 down in the four-match series against England, picked up the injury in the first game at Lord’s and missed the second in Trent Bridge.
He was able to bowl just three overs against Northamptonshire before leaving the field for treatment Saturday, prompting India team manager Anirudh Chaudhry to place doubt on his availability for the third Test at Edgbaston, starting on Wednesday.
India have called up fellow left-armer RP Singh for the remainder of the tour.
The 25-year-old Singh last played a Test match in April 2008 and an ODI in September 2009.
