India were dealt a body blow on Thursday ahead of their three-match ODI series against South Africa with pace spearhead Zaheer Khan ruled out of the first two games because of a leg injury.
BCCI chief administrative officer Ratnakar Shetty said Zaheer, who remains off-field since developing a stiff leg muscle on day four of the second Test, will miss the ODIs in Jaipur (February 21) and Gwalior (February 24).
"India will miss the service of Zaheer Khan, who has a leg injury, in the first two matches of the forthcoming three-match ODI series against South Africa," Shetty said.
Zaheer's replacement would be announced later, Shetty added.
Zaheer, however, stands a chance to play in the third and final ODI in Ahmedabad on February 27.
The left-arm seamer remained confined to the dressing room today and was not seen in action on the fifth and final day of the Test match at Eden Gardens.
India coach Gary Kirsten had yesterday said that Zaheer had stiffness in his quadriceps. PTI
