London, Aug 8: Zaheer Khan’s absence from the remaining two Tests against England due to injury is a huge blow but India can still bounce back and level the series, feels Sourav Ganguly.

"Of course, Zaheer’s [being ruled] out is a huge blow. He will need surgery and will be out of action for a few months. But at the same time it's a big opportunity for the other players to make a mark in his absence," the former captain was quoted as saying.

"Two Test matches are yet to be played and I expect India to bounce back and draw the series 2-2. It is a big challenge for the team which now will not have the services of Zaheer. But they can still do it," he said confidently.

On Sunday, Zaheer was ruled out of the remainder of the tour and RP Singh announced as his replacement. The pace spearhead had walked off the pitch following a hamstring strain after bowling 13.3 overs on the opening day of the first Test at Lord's on July 21.

England now lead the four-match Test series 2-0 after winning comprehensively at Lord's and Trent Bridge. The third Test will be played at Edgbaston from August 10-14 while the fourth will take place at the Oval between August 18-22 2011.

The five-match ODI series starts on September 3 at Chester-le-Street while the one-off Twenty20 International will be played at Old Trafford on August 31.