Hardik ruled out of Australia Tests; Vijay, Rohit and Parthiv return

Star all-rounder Hardik Pandya who recently sustained an injury in then recently concluded Asia Cup has not been included in the Test squad

India Test squad for Australia series: Rohit Sharma, Parthiv Patel and Murali Vijay returned while Hardik Pandya was ruled out from the four-match Test series in Australia with a back injury he suffered during the Asia Cup.

With Pandya unavailable for selection, India have gone back to their six batsman theory which may turn out to be a blessing in disguise considering their dismal batting performances in overseas Test matches when the four-match India vs Australia series starts on December 6 at Adelaide.

There is, however, a possibility of Pandya’s return towards the latter half of the series.

"Hardik Pandya has not yet recovered and will at least sit out till November 15 and we will take a call after that," India chief selector MSK Prasad said on Friday (October 26).

Prasad also pointed out that Pandya was irreplaceable and that’s why they resorted to the six batsman theory. "It's very difficult to match Hardik's all-round ability. At least we don't see that kind of ability now in India. That's why no other alternatives were discussed. And we expect Bhuvi [Bhuvneshwar] to come good; we know he can bat."

In some of the other decisions, Murali Vijay has been brought back in the Test squad for Australia along with the fit-again Ishant Sharma.

"Vijay went back and performed and considering the intensity of the series we have brought him," Prasad said.

Team for Four Test match series against Australia:

Virat Kohli (C), M Vijay, KL Rahul, Prithvi Shaw, Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Hanuma Vihari, Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant, Parthiv Patel, R Ashwin, R Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Shami, Ishant, Umesh, Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar

Rohit Sharma has been included as an additional batsman in the Test squad and he makes a comeback after being dropped for indifferent form in South Africa.

"With regards to Rohit, he is a good back-foot player and his game is much suited in Australia," said Prasad.

Another significant comeback in the Test side is Parthiv Patel as the second keeper alongside Pant.

"Parthiv was not picked for Afghanistan Test and subsequent England series. He played the Duleep Trophy and whatever matches that happened, he batted well. It's an intensive series (in Australia) and we have called him back," reasoned the chairman.

India will leave for Australia on November 16 and the tour will begin with a three-match T20 series starting on November 21, followed by the four-match Test series and a three-match ODI series.