India batsman KL Rahul's hopes of a Test recall in Sydney have been dashed because of a wrist injury.
Several media outlets in India had reported that Rahul and returning vice-captain Rohit Sharma were likely to be recalled for the third Test, which begins at the SCG on Thursday.
But Rahul, who has played 36 Tests, will instead be heading home.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said the 28-year-old sprained his left wrist while batting in the nets at the MCG on Saturday.
"He will need about three weeks time to recover completely and regain full strength," BCCI secretary Jay Shah said in a statement.
"He will now return to India and head to the national cricket academy in Bengaluru for further rehabilitation."
Sharma linked up with India's squad in Melbourne, having arrived in Australia belatedly because of a hamstring injury.
The veteran has trained with the tourists and is fully expected to return to India's XI in Sydney.
Out-of-form opener Mayank Agarwal is likely to be axed, although Hanuma Vihari is also in danger of being dropped.
