Mumbai [India], Nov.29 : In what may come as a major blow to India, all-rounder Hardik Pandya is set to be sidelined for at least six weeks after suffering a hairline fracture on his right shoulder.

The 23-year-old was struck by a ball during a net session before the start of the ongoing third Test match against England in Mohali and was subsequently released from the side to consult a specialist.

"He will take minimum six weeks to recover from this injury. BCCI medical team will monitor his progress and rehabilitation programme and update accordingly," a BCCI statement confirmed.

Earlier, Pandya was picked in the Test squad as a replacement for injured Rohit Sharma for the first time after impressing the national selectors in the limited-over formats.

Meanwhile, batsman KL Rahul was earlier also released from the squad to recover from his left forearm injury. He is expected to regain his fitness for the fourth Test match of the ongoing five-match series against England to be held in Mumbai from December 8. (ANI)