Struggling opener Wasim Jaffer is all set to make way for either Harbhajan Singh or Dinesh Karthik in the Indian team for the crucial fourth and final cricket Test against Australia beginning in Adelaide on Thursday.
Jaffer, who has failed in all the six innings in the Test series so far, has been left out of the shortlisted 13 for the game.
It will virtually be a toss-up between off-spinner Harbhajan and wicketkeeper-batsman Karthik to take the vacant spot.
If the Indian team management opts to go with a five-pronged bowling attack, Karthik may be asked to perform the 12th man's duties.
But, if they stick to a conventional four-man bowling attack, Karthik may don the opener's role since the team management may not want to push Rahul Dravid to do the job again.
With the Adelaide track expected to assist the slow bowlers on the last two days, it appears that Harbhajan stands a good chance of being in the playing eleven.
In that case, young Ishant Sharma, who was highly impressive in the Perth Test, may have to sit out to accommodate Harbhajan in the team.
Irfan Pathan's batting ability makes him almost a certainty in the team while paceman RP Singh has emerged as the bowling spearhead.
The Indians will decide the final composition on Thursday after having another close look at the Adelaide Oval track.
