It was earlier revealed that a thumb injury was likely to rule him out most of the five-match Test series versus England this summer, but it now appears it’s a long-term shoulder issue that is the chief problem.

The latest injury, which could put his participation in the Australia tour under threat, caps a frustrating year for the 33-year-old.

Scores of 0 and 8 in the first Test of the year against South Africa in Cape Town were followed by a hamstring injury, which was used to explain his non-involvement in the one-off Test against Afghanistan. But it appears the BCCI have not disclosed the full story of Saha’s fitness woes.

[caption id=”attachment_75827″ align=”alignnone” width=”1024″] India wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha watches as Shane Watson cuts, January 6, 2015[/caption]

A BCCI press release in June said: “Saha suffered an injury to his right thumb while playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the VIVO IPL Qualifier 2 against Kolkata Knight Riders on 25 May, 2018 at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata.

“He was under observation by the medical staff of the BCCI and the management has decided to give him adequate rest before the start of the England Test series. Saha’s recovery period is expected to be around five to six weeks.”

Questions have now been raised over the way the BCCI handle and communicate player injuries. It is believed that they withheld information over the serious shoulder injury the keeper was carrying when he was not selected against Afghanistan.

[caption id=”attachment_69894″ align=”alignnone” width=”800″] Virat Kohli’s India will play England in a five-match Test series [/caption]

Reports suggest the National Cricket Academy medical team advised the BCCI that Saha would need a five-to-six-week recovery period, but it could now be up to six months.

India’s chief selector MSK Prasad, however, still insists Saha is out with a thumb injury. “Saha’s recovery from a fractured right thumb hasn’t been satisfactory,” The Telegraph quoted him as saying.

“He hasn’t responded well enough to the rehab at the National Cricket Academy, in Bangalore. At this moment, therefore, Saha is uncertain for all five Tests, not just the first three.”