England's hopes of squaring its Test series with England have slumped with fast bowler Steve Harmison out of the match.
He has suffering shin soreness and a scan has shown bone stress.
Captain Andrew Flintoff told BBC Sport Harmison's loss was a 'massive blow.'
His absence means Liam Plunkett could hold his place with spinner Shaun Udal coming into the side.
There is also the chance England will call up James Anderson, despite the fact he was only called into the side from the England A tour of the West Indies and hasn't played in India.
But Flintoff was undaunted.
"The side playing out here has been different through many circumstances and we have done well on the whole," he said.
"It is a must-win game for us and we want to draw this series, we deserve to do that and we can do that.
"It would be a massive achievement for the team; we have got some new caps, inexperienced players and if we could beat the Indian side with all their experience it would be a monumental effort.
"For five days we need to get it right, come together and show the same enthusiasm, character and ability we have done for patches in these last two Tests," he said.
There is no decision yet on whether Harmison will stay for the seven-match one-day international series.
