Cape Town - The embattled Proteas received a further blow on the eve of the fourth Test match against India in Delhi when it was revealed that Dale Steyn would not be available for selection.
The Phalaborwa Express picked up a groin injury in the first Test in Mohali where he only managed to send down 11 overs in India's first innings.
He has not bowled on tour since.
Firdose Moonda, covering the tour for Cricinfo confirmed the news in a tweet posted on Wednesday.
The Proteas will hope their talismanic spearhead will recover in time for the upcoming English tour of South Africa.
The first test in Durban is scheduled for Saturday, 26 December.