India batsman Virender Sehwag set for shoulder surgery

Key batsman Virender Sehwag is to undergo shoulder surgery, which will hamper his preparations for India's tour of England in July and August.

Sehwag, an explosive opener, will have an immediate operation having been troubled by pain in his right shoulder.

The 32-year-old was declared fit for the World Cup only after undergoing intensive rehabilitation in Bangalore.

He has topped the batting charts in the Indian Premier League, with 424 runs in 11 matches for the Delhi Daredevils.

Sehwag seems certain to miss India's tour of West Indies which precedes the trip to England. India begin with a tour match at Taunton on 15 July, before Lord's hosts the first of four Tests on 21 July.

India also play one Twenty20 international and five one-day internationals.

PB Vanchi, director of GMR Sports, owners of Delhi Daredevils, said the Board of Control for Cricket in India had advised Sehwag to undergo surgery as soon as possible.

"He has a problem. The BCCI is making the arrangements for the surgery," said Vanchi.

Sehwag is a crucial component of India's Test side, with 7,694 runs at an excellent average of 53.43. In December 2008, he hit a remarkable 83 from 68 balls as India successfully chased a tough target of 387 to beat England in Chennai.

His aggressive style also lends itself well to the shorter formats. He has 7,456 runs at a strike rate of 104 runs per 100 balls in one-day internationals.