The duo have been named among the standbys. Pant and Rayudu's exclusion from India's 15-member squad had created quite a stir on Monday.
Shastri said he would have preferred a 16-man squad – “When you only have 15 to pick, there is bound to be someone or the other who misses out, which is very unfortunate” – but said the players left out should retain hope.
“It's a funny game. There could be injuries. So you never know when you could be called up."
However, Shastri id not reveals who India would find suitable to bat at the number four spot. "Total flexibility depending on conditions, opposition,” said Shastri. “I would say the top three, but after that you can be very flexible.”
The debate on number four spot had earlier led to suggestions that India are too dependent on the top three of Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, and in particular, Virat Kohli.
However, Shastri rubbished those claims. “If you look at the last five years, the way the Indian team has performed, they have always been in the top two or three,” he said. “To be in top two or three for five years in a row, No.1 in Tests, again top three in T20I cricket, you can't depend on one player.
“You have that kind of consistent record; you need a bunch of players performing all the time. Due credit to the team.”