CHENNAI, June 10: A hip strain picked up during the second Afro-Asia Cup game is likely to rule Zaheer Khan out of the upcoming ODI series against South Africa in Ireland.

Zaheer left the field after bowling just 2.4 overs against Africa XI on Saturday and was replaced by Mashrafe Mortaza for Sunday’s third and final match.

India's physio and medical staff have yet to determine how long Zaheer will be out of the game. He was taken to a local hospital in the company of John Gloster for a MRI scan of the hip and a report is expected soon.

India are scheduled to play three match in Ireland between June 26 and July ahead of a one-off ODI against Pakistan in Glasgow on July 3.

The squad for these four matches will be picked on Tuesday.—Agencies