Harbhajan will be out of action for 2-3 months

The Board of Control for Cricket in India's medical adviser Dr Anant Joshi feels India's premier off-spinner Harbhajan Singh will need at least 2-3 months to recover after undergoing surgery to correct a ligament injury in the knuckle joint of the middle finger on his right hand.

Unlike teammate Sachin Tendulkar, who was operated for a similar injury in the United States recently, Harbhajan has decided to have the surgery at a Melbourne hospital, where Shane Warne was treated for his finger injury four years ago.

Warne had two pins inserted in his finger, which considerably lengthened his recovery period. One wonders if Harbhajan's injury similar to that of the Aussie leg spinner.

"It does not appear to be so. At this point, it seems to be similar to Sachin Tendulkar's injury. It is basically soft tissue repair and, generally, for injuries as such, the pins are not inserted, but the final decision will be taken by the surgeon," said Dr Joshi on Thursday.

Dr Joshi explained that the surgery will only help the Indian 'offie' perform to the fullest of his abilities.

"In a soft tissue injury, surgery is usually required to clear the inflammatory tissue, tissues that hamper healing around the joints. The scar tissue needs to be removed so that the fingers can cover their full scope of movement.

"Such injuries are common, not only in cricket but in other sports as well. They have been occurring for a long time but only now are they being identified.

"I put that down to better technology. It will not hamper Harbhajan in the future, but, in fact, it will help him perform better."

Dr Joshi feels Harbhajan will need at least six weeks of care, followed by a period of intensive physiotherapy, during which the bowler will attempt to rediscover his bowling rhythm.

The entire recovery period can be anywhere between two-three months, depending on how quickly Harbhajan recovers, opined Dr Joshi.

The surgery will be performed by hand and lower limb surgeon Dr Gregory Hoy of the Avenue Hospital, Windsor, in Melbourne.