Harbhajan Singh has been drafted in as cover/replacement for the injured R Ashwin for the rest of the ODI series between India and South Africa.

Ashwin picked up a side strain while fielding during the first one-day international in Kanpur. That injury forced him off the field, and even if the offspinner returned a little later, Ashwin returned back to the dressing room after bowling just one more over, suggesting the problem was more serious than previously hoped.

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"R Ashwin sustained a left side strain injury during the first Paytm One day International against South Africa at Green Park, Kanpur on 11th October 2015," BCCI secretary Anurag Thakur said in a statement.

"After making a detailed assessment of the injury, the BCCI medical team will confirm the time frame required for Ashwin to fully recover from the injury.

"Harbhajan Singh has been included in the Indian squad, and will join the team before the second match of the series in Indore."

The second ODI in Indore is on Wednesday, and while Harbhajan is always a good option in limited overs cricket, India will certainly miss Ashwin, who struck today in his first over, dismissing the left-hander Quinton de Kock.

However, Ashwin is way, way more important for India in the Test matches, and with a four-match series coming up against the Proteas, it certainly makes more sense to rest the offspinner, rather than rush him back.