Team India is set to return to the cricket field for the first time since March earlier this year, as the side takes on Australia Down Under. The series begins on November 27 with the ODIs, followed by three T20Is and four Test matches.

The Test series will be a major attraction as India will aim to defend the Border-Gavaskar Trophy on Australian soil, having won the previous series Down Under 2-1.
However, the side could potentially see a number of first-team players remaining absent, with Virat Kohli leaving the side after the first Test to attend the birth of his child.

Batsman Rohit Sharma and leading Test pacer Ishant Sharma could also miss the series, as it was reported on Tuesday that there has been no communication between NCA and the BCCI over the date of their departure.

Former Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, meanwhile, talked about India's opening combination for the Test series in the potential absence of Rohit.

"Mayank, I know, is a confirmed starter because he has scored big runs and if Rohit is fit and available, then he should be there," said Tendulkar in an interview with PTI.

"Between other guys (Prithvi Shaw, KL Rahul), that will be the management's decision as they would be knowing who's the form man."