Indian fast bowler Zaheer Khan has been ruled out of the Champions Trophy starting late September, after undergoing a major shoulder surgery in South Africa last month. It is feared that he could miss the seven-match home ODI series against Australia in November-December as well if the recovery doesn't go according to plan. But a BCCI media release on Friday said Zaheer was responding well to the surgery and was expected to return to international cricket towards the end of the year, suggesting he could be in contention for the Australia series.
"Zaheer Khan had an arthroscopic labral repair in his left shoulder on 13th July 2009 done by the Johannesburg-based Dr Mark Ferguson," the release said. "Zaheer is undergoing rehabilitation in South Africa and is recovering very well. He is expected to return to international cricket by the end of this year."
Zaheer will return to India from South Africa on August 9. After 10 days, he will head back to South Africa for further rehabilitation on his shoulder, the release said.
He picked up the injury to his bowling shoulder during the second edition of the IPL while playing for the Mumbai Indians. Zaheer fell on his shoulder while fielding and was subsequently advised rest. Zaheer aggravated the injury during the World Twenty20 and had to undergo surgery in South Africa in July, causing him to miss the four-match ODI series in West Indies.
The 30-year-old has been advised a minimum of three months' rest. Ferguson, who carried out the surgery, has successfully treated Sachin Tendulkar and former India players Javagal Srinath and Anil Kumble in the past.
The team for the ICC event has to be selected by August 23. The national selectors will be meeting on August 16 to pick the squad for the tri-series in Sri Lanka starting September 8 and the Champions Trophy, beginning on September 25. Zaheer had been named in a list of 30 probables for the Champions Trophy.
India will be thankful that the injury is not likely to cost Zaheer any Test matches, if the recovery goes to plan. Although a big loss, it should be relatively easier to replace Zaheer in the shorter formats. It gives both RP Singh and Munaf Patel an opportunity to present better claims for their inclusion in the side, and Praveen Kumar a chance to cement his place as third seamer. Ashish Nehra has also sprung up as an option after he had a fairly successful return to international cricket in the ODIs in West Indies.
"Zaheer Khan had an arthroscopic labral repair in his left shoulder on 13th July 2009 done by the Johannesburg-based Dr Mark Ferguson," the release said. "Zaheer is undergoing rehabilitation in South Africa and is recovering very well. He is expected to return to international cricket by the end of this year."
Zaheer will return to India from South Africa on August 9. After 10 days, he will head back to South Africa for further rehabilitation on his shoulder, the release said.
He picked up the injury to his bowling shoulder during the second edition of the IPL while playing for the Mumbai Indians. Zaheer fell on his shoulder while fielding and was subsequently advised rest. Zaheer aggravated the injury during the World Twenty20 and had to undergo surgery in South Africa in July, causing him to miss the four-match ODI series in West Indies.
The 30-year-old has been advised a minimum of three months' rest. Ferguson, who carried out the surgery, has successfully treated Sachin Tendulkar and former India players Javagal Srinath and Anil Kumble in the past.
The team for the ICC event has to be selected by August 23. The national selectors will be meeting on August 16 to pick the squad for the tri-series in Sri Lanka starting September 8 and the Champions Trophy, beginning on September 25. Zaheer had been named in a list of 30 probables for the Champions Trophy.
India will be thankful that the injury is not likely to cost Zaheer any Test matches, if the recovery goes to plan. Although a big loss, it should be relatively easier to replace Zaheer in the shorter formats. It gives both RP Singh and Munaf Patel an opportunity to present better claims for their inclusion in the side, and Praveen Kumar a chance to cement his place as third seamer. Ashish Nehra has also sprung up as an option after he had a fairly successful return to international cricket in the ODIs in West Indies.
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