NZ target third Test after losing series

Two crushing losses have left New Zealand unbowed as they prepare for the third and final Test against India beginning on Friday in Indore.

India thumped New Zealand by 178 runs in the second Test which finished in Kolkata on Monday, clinching the three-match series and reclaiming top spot in the International Cricket Council's Test rankings from Pakistan.

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Despite the disappointment of a second comprehensive defeat, stand-in skipper Ross Taylor says the Black Caps are looking forward to tackling India for a third time.

"We're still fizzing to go for Indore, hopefully we can play some fear-free cricket to put India under pressure," Taylor said.

Chasing 376 for victory, the Black Caps slipped from 1-104 to be bundled out for 197 in fading light on the fourth day at Eden Gardens.

Opener Tom Latham offered the only real resistance, top-scoring for his side with a dogged 74.

Filling in for an ill Kane Williamson, Taylor said conditions in Kolkata had been challenging but the response from New Zealand's bowlers was encouraging with Trent Boult, Matt Henry and Mitchell Santner picking up three wickets each in the second innings.

Of more concern was a batting performance which, apart from Latham's sterling knock, again fell short.

Latham and Martin Guptill survived nervous moments before lunch to give New Zealand a solid start with a series-best opening stand of 55.

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Guptill (24), Henry Nicholls (24) and Taylor (4) all disappeared in the second session, leaving New Zealand 135-3 at tea on a wearing track.

The last seven wickets fell for the addition of just 62 runs, fast bowler Mohammed Shami picking up 3-14.

He said the chances were looking good for Williamson's return from the flu in Indore, with the Black Caps skipper at the ground for the first time on day four.

Meanwhile, India will be without opener Shikhar Dhawan for the final Test, after the left-hander was ruled out with a broken thumb.

The 30-year-old suffered a nasty blow to his left thumb off a Trent Boult bouncer during India's second innings on Sunday. 

Dhawan scored 17 before being trapped lbw off Boult and did not take the field during New Zealand's run chase at Kolkata's Eden Gardens.

"Shikhar has suffered a very minor fracture on his hand (thumb). He has been under observation and advised a 15-day rest. So he is ruled out of the third match," the Indian team's management announced. 

India's selection committee named batsman Karun Nair, who has played just two one-day internationals for the national team, as Dhawan's replacement.