Karnataka batsman Karun Nair has been called up as the replacement for the injured Shikhar Dhawan for the third India-New Zealand Test, which will be played in Indore from October 8. India also have veteran opener Gautam Gambhir in their ranks, who is widely expected to play his first Test in two years.
Nair has been a consistent performer in domestic cricket, however, and averages 52.78 in First-Class cricket. "The All-India Senior Selection Committee have named batsman Karun Nair as the replacement for injured opener Shikhar Dhawan in the Indian team," BCCI secretary Ajay Shirke said in a statement.
Dhawan, who was hit on the thumb on the third day of the second Test, has been advised 15 days' rest and did not take part on the fourth day, when India won the match and wrapped up the series.