India's Kumar out of third Test against New Zealand due to back strain

26-year-old will be replaced by uncapped Shardul Thakur

NEW DELHI: India's medium-pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been ruled out of the third and final Test against New Zealand due to a back strain with uncapped Shardul Thakur replacing him in Indore.

Kumar sustained the injury during India's series-clinching win in Kolkata, according to an Indian cricket board release.

The 26-year-old Kumar played a key role in India's 178-run win in the second Test after taking six wickets in the match including a five-wicket haul in the first innings.

Kumar's injury is a double blow to India's seam attack after Ishant Sharma was ruled out with the mosquito-borne disease chikungunya ahead of the three-match series.

Medium-pacer Thakur, who is yet to play an international match for India, was part of the team's tour to the West Indies in July-August.

The final Test starts October 8 at Indore's Holkar Cricket Stadium.