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.

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.”