Harbhajan, who has taken 51 wickets in seven matches against Australia, missed practice on Monday although a team official said he was hopeful he would recover in time.

Nicknamed the "Turbanator" after taking 32 wickets to inspire India to a 2-1 victory over Australia in 2001, Harbhajan picked up 10 wickets in the first Test in Bangalore, won by Australia by 217 runs.

India are already without first-choice paceman Irfan Pathan, who sustained a side strain in the drawn second Test in Madras. His place will be taken by medium pacer Ajit Agarkar.

Captain Sourav Ganguly is suffering from a groin strain but said he would be fit to play.

The 32-year-old suffered the injury while fielding during the Bangalore Test.

"I have a bit of a problem, but it's not major. I'm all right," Ganguly said.

The occasional seamer bowled in the drawn second Test in Madras without discomfort but went for a scan late on Sunday.

"I'm just taking all precautions. I'll definitely play this Test," he said.