Robin Uthappa was not available for selection when the team for the tour of Zimbabwe was picked by the national selection panel in Kodaikanal as he was injured, according to BCCI sources.

"Yes, he's injured," confirmed sources without explaining the nature of the problem but it was learnt from other sources close to the Karnataka batsman that he had a shoulder injury and may have to go in for a surgery.

Uthappa was among the Indian players to impress the most in the Indian Premier League with his power-packed knocks for Royal Challengers Bangalore led by Anil Kumble.

With the selectors deciding to send a second string team without several regulars, including captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who were all rested, Uthappa was a front runner to make the squad but injury seems to have upset his chances.

The tour begins with a tri-series -- also involving Sri Lanka -- on May 28.

Once the tri-series is over on June 9, India will play two Twenty20 Internationals against Zimbabwe on June 12 and 13.