Indian fast bowler Zaheer Khan is likely to be ruled out of the Champions Trophy starting late September, after undergoing a major shoulder surgery in South Africa last month. There are fears 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.
Zaheer picked up the injury to his bowling shoulder during the second edition of the IPL while playing for the Mumbai Indians. He fell on his shoulder while fielding and was subsequently advised to rest. Zaheer aggravated the injury playing in 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 after his shoulder was operated upon by Dr Mark Fergus! on, who has successfully treated Sachin Tendulkar and former players Javagal Srinath and Anil Kumble in the past.
The team for the ICC event has to be selected by August 23 but the national selectors are likely to meet earlier to pick the squad for the tri-series in Sri Lanka starting September 8 and the Champions Trophy in South Africa that starts on September 25. Zaheer was named in a list of 30 probables for the Champions Trophy.
