Balaji ruled out of Champions Trophy

Lakshmipathy Balaji becomes the latest fast bowler to be struck by injury © Getty Images

The Indian team suffered another setback as Laksmipathy Balaji was ruled out of the ICC Champions Trophy with an abdominal injury. He will return to India shortly. Amit Bhandari, the medium pacer from Delhi, has been chosen to replace him.

Balaji has become the second Indian to drop out, after Sachin Tendulkar's tennis elbow did not recover in time. Speaking to reporters at the indoor nets at the Rose Bowl, Sourav Ganguly said: "There's a problem with Balaji and we've asked for a replacement. He had a problem with his abdomen [muscle] this morning and we've asked for a replacement."

Balaji's problem cropped up in London during the NatWest Challenge. He experienced some muscle pain in the abdomen, and was treated for it. "He had an injection in London on the 7th," said Ganguly, "and we hoped he would recover, but the injury has not responded since then."

The Indian selectors picked Bhandari to replace Balaji. Bhandari has played two one-day internationas for India, and has picked up five wickets. His last match for India was against Zimbabwe in the VB Series earlier this year, in which he took 3 for 31 in 7.4 overs.

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