Richardson opted out of the series to be with his wife and newborn son.
Richardson opted out of the series to be with his wife and newborn son in Adelaide, which is battling a COVID-19 outbreak.
Andrew Tye, who was part of Australia’s squad during the recently held white-ball tour to England, will replace Richardson in the squad.
"It was a difficult decision for Kane to make but one which has the complete support of the selectors and the entire playing squad," national selector Trevor Hohns quoted as saying by AFP.
Richardson intimated the selectors about his decision on Tuesday (November 17), hours before South Australia announced a six-day lockdown to restrain a sudden Coronavirus outbreak in the state capital Adelaide.
"Kane wanted to remain in Adelaide with Nyki and their newborn son. We will always support our players and their families, even more so given the challenging environment we are in," said Hohns.
"We will miss what he brings to the team but completely understand and support his decision."
Preparations for India's blockbuster cricket tour have been complicated by the outbreak in South Australia, with the first Test scheduled at the Adelaide Oval from December 17-21.
Australian players and staff from outside New South Wales flew into largely Covid-free Sydney on Tuesday.
Batsmen Josh Philippe and D'Arcy Short were added to Australia's training squad on Wednesday as a precaution, with the remainder of the white-ball squad due to assemble in Sydney on Sunday (November 22).
Despite the increasing Coronavirus cases, Cricket Australia has said that the first Test against India will go ahead as scheduled.
(With AFP inputs)