India has taken a hit before the third test against New Zealand pace spearhead Zaheer Khan excluded from the final rubber due to a groin injury.

Young left-handed Jaydev Unadkat pacemaker was the team in his place. Zaheer suffered a groin injury in the second trial, which ended in tame draw Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.

“Zaheer Khan injured and is not available in the third test against New Zealand, played in Nagpur from November 20 to November 24,” BCCI secretary N Srinivasan said the statement.

Zaheer was off the field a good part of the fourth day. left-handed pacer played only three shipments during the fifth day. 19 years of name Unadkat India Under-19 team in the 2010 World Cup in New Zealand.

Left-arm fast bowler represented Saurashtra in the Ranji Trophy and has asked for six branches in 26 first class games for an average of 26.34.