In another blow to Mumbai Indians' campaign in IPL-7, pace spearhead Zaheer Khan has been ruled out of the remainder of the tournament, according to skipper Rohit Sharma.
Zaheer, who suffered a severe side strain after bowling just three deliveries of his final over in Mumbai's last game against Kings XI Punjab at Wankhede, has scalped five wickets in six games.
"Zaheer will miss the remainder of the IPL season," Rohit confirmed ahead of his side's match against Royal Challengers Bangalore at the Wankhede. The team management also confirmed the development.
"Yes, he (Zaheer) has been ruled out of the remainder of IPL 7," a team source said.
It is also a setback to Zaheer's comeback plans in India's ODI set-up after the left-arm pacer found himself out-of-favour since his last ODI match in August 2012.
Zaheer 35, joins the growing list of injured players this season after Dwayne Bravo (Chennai Super Kings), Nic Maddinson (Royals Challengers Bangalore) and Nathan Coulter-Nile (Delhi Daredevils) had to leave their respective teams midway.
Image: Zaheer Khan
Photo: BCCI