India's pace spearhead Zaheer Khan [Images] is unlikely to make it to the squad for the upcoming ODI series against South Africa in Ireland due to a hip strain.

The left-arm pacer suffered the injury while bowling in the second one-dayer of the Afro-Asia Cup in Chennai on Saturday.

• Forthcoming cricket schedule

He bowled only 2.4 overs for the hosts before going off the field.

Bangladeshi seamer Mashrafe Mortaza replaced Zaheer in the third and final match of the series at the M A Chidambaram stadium on Sunday.

The extent of Zaheer's injury and how long he would be out of action was to be ascertained yet.

The Mumbai fast bowler was taken to a local hospital in the company of Indian team physio John Gloster for a MRI scan of the hip and the report was expected this evening.

India will play three one-day internationals against South Africa in Ireland between June 26 and July 1. They then take on Pakistan in a one-off ODI in Glasgow, Scotland, on July 3. The proceeds of the tie would go to Prince Charles' charity.

The squad for these four matches will be chosen on June 12 in Delhi.

India also have a full-fledged tour of England [Images] beginning from July 7.