INDIA V NEW ZEALAND, 2016

Shikhar Dhawan out of third Test against New Zealand

by Cricbuzz Staff • Published on

Dhawan was struck on his hand by a rising delivery from Trent Boult on Day 3 © Cricbuzz

Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan has been ruled out of the third and final Test against New Zealand, to be played in Indore from October 8, with a minor fracture on his left hand.

The Indian opener has been advised 10-15 days of rest after being struck on the hand twice by Trent Boult bouncers in India's second innings of the just-concluded Kolkata Test on Sunday. No replacement has been named yet.

Gautam Gambhir, recalled to the Test fold after KL Rahul's injury ahead of the second game, could make his national comeback after a gap of over two years, in Indore.

Dhawan was dropped from the Test squad for the series opener in Kanpur due to indifferent form. The left-handed opener was drafted back into the playing XI due to Rahul's injury and made 1 and 17 in the two innings of the game in Kolkata.

"Shikhar occurred a very minor fracture on his hand. He is under observations, and he has been advised 15 days rest," the Indian team's media representative said. "So he is ruled out for the next Test match. The selectors have been informed. And as and when a decision is taken about the replacement or whatever the team management wants, it will be conveyed to you."

© Cricbuzz