India were dealt a severe blow on Friday when seamer Laxmipathy Balaji was ruled out of the forthcoming home Test series against Australia and South Africa.
Team physiotherapist Andrew Leipus said the injury the right arm pacer suffered early this month is complicated enough to keep him out of action for at least the next two months.
"Balaji has a growth in spurs in the pelvic region and the experts feel nature should be allowed to lead the recovery process rather than attempt to rush it," Leipus informed in Birmingham on Friday.
The Tamil Nadu seamer, who was replaced by Amit Bhandari in the Champions Trophy squad, is due to return home in the next 48 hours.
His return to the team though could take longer.
Australia will play four Tests, the first beginning in Bangalore on October 6, while South Africa are scheduled to play two Tests in November.
Balaji's injury is another big blow for India as they are already without ace batsman Sachin Tendulkar, whose tennis elbow injury on the left arm is taking longer than expected to heal.
For the 22-year old Balaji, who has formed a lethal new ball combination with Irfan Pathan in recent times, the news was absolutely shattering.
"I will try my best to do what I can but you can't fight with injury," said a philosophical Balaji, who has played 24 One-Day Internationals and taken 30 wickets at 40.23 besides 13 Test scalps in five matches.
Bruce Reid, who has been coaching the Indian bowlers in England, was certain Balaji would be badly missed by the team.
"He was shaping up pretty well and his absence would be badly felt," he said.
But Balaji's absence could give Bhandari, who held his own well in the couple of matches he played in a tri-series on the Australian tour last season, a second look in.
The Delhi seamer was very impressive in the practice game on Thursday, claiming a three-wicket haul.
He almost immediately adjusted to English wickets and it would not have gone unnoticed by the team's think-tank.
