NEW DELHI: Delhi batsman Gautam Gambhir will join the Indian team in Bangalore as a cover for Sachin Tendulkar who is the doubtful starter for the third and final cricket Test against Pakistan, beginning on Saturday.

The BCCI said Gambhir would be on the stand-by because Tendulkar was doubtful for the third Test match due to knee pain.

"Selection Committee has decided to send Gautam Gambhir as stand by if Sachin cannot take part in the match," BCCI Secretary Niranjan Shah said on Saturday.

"If Sachin will be fit to play for the Match then Gautam Gambir will be relieved for Ranji Trophy starting from December 9," he said.