Dhawan ruled out of third Test, Gambhir seen as likely replacement

India opener Shikhar Dhawan has been ruled out of the third and final Test against New Zealand after suffering a fractured thumb in his side's 178-run win over New Zealand in the second match at Eden Gardens.

The 30-year-old southpaw sustained the injury while batting in the second innings when he was struck twice on the thumb by Trent Boult, ESPNcricinfo reported. He was eventually dismissed for 17.

Gautam Gambhir, who has been recalled into the Test squad after a two-year absence, is likely to replace Dhawan. Gambhir earned his place following an impressive performance in the Duleep Trophy where he scored 356 runs in five innings, including four half-centuries.

India reclaimed the top spot in the Test rankings after defeating New Zealand in the second match in Kolkata. With the win, India have taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.