Integral to India's white-ball squad, right-hand batsman Shreyas Iyer, may also be drafted into reserves for the Test series in Australia, says a report by the Times of India. 

This possibility has risen as clouds of uncertainty loom large over Rohit Sharma's participation because of an hamstring injury and skipper Virat Kohli is confirmed to return home on paternity leave after the first Test.

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The selectors chose not to name any replacement for the last three Tests in Kohli's absence, expecting Rohit and back-up options to fill that void. However, with Rohit himself now a doubtful starter, the need for additional reserves could be felt. 

"There won’t be any fresh player coming in after Rohit and Ishant's (Sharma, another injured player) arrival. The selectors picked a jumbo squad for this reason. If the need arises, Shreyas could be asked to stay back," a BCCI source was quoted as saying in the TOI report. 

"As of now, the white-ball players are supposed to fly back before the Test series but there’s one change in the plans."

There are eight specialist batsmen part of India's Test squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy including Kohli. But if Rohit isn't available for selection, the think-tank would want more options to choose from, considering Kohli's sabbatical and the possibility of injuries. 

A regular in the ODI and T20I line-ups since the end of last year's World Cup, 25-year-old Iyer has played 54 first-class games with an average of 52.18 for 4,592 runs. 

The bowling department, though, has five proper pacers despite Ishant's absence. And so, it isn't yet clear whether the team management will ask anyone from the white-ball touring party to stay back as Ishant's cover. 

The Test series kicks-off on December 17 in Adelaide.