With three tests down and the series level at 1-1, all eyes are on the fourth and final test at Brisbane. India dug deep on Day 5 in the third Test at Syrdney to steal a draw from Australia who were all set for a win to a take a 2-1 lead in the series. Some gritty defence from Hanuman Vihari and Ashwin, helped along by some dropped catches saw the visitors force the hosts to shake hands and call it a day with an over to spare. But three Test matches have taken a toll on the Indian team with many siffering injuries. The third Test too added to India's injury scare with conditions looking quite tough to retain the Border-Gavaskar trophy. Here is a look at all the players that are either injured on unavailable to play.
Ishant Sharma
India's senior paceman, Ishant was ruled out of the entire India-Australia tour after he suffered a side strain during the IPL. Although he recovered completely from the injury prior to the start of the series, he was left out of the squad to regain 100% fitness. Ishant is now waiting for clearance to feature in the Syed Mushtaq Ali trophy. India will also hope to have the pacer back for the upcoming series against England which will start in February.
Mohammed Shami
Shami has also been ruled out for a few weeks. The paceman fractured his arm when defending a fiery delivery from Australia's Pat Cummins in the Adelaid Test. Considering the extent of the injury, he may not be available for the upcoming series against England too.
Umesh Yadav
Umesh Yadav suffered a calf injury during the second innings of the second test held at Melbourne. India had won the Test to level the series 1-1. it is unclear when Umesh will be able to return to the team. He will certainly not be in the playing eleven for the fourth Test.
KL Rahul
One of India's strongest batsmen, KL Rahul did not feature in India's Test squad, but picked up a wrist injury while training in the lead up to the third Test. He was sent back to India. This means, he will not be able to play in the fourth Test, even if India wishes due to COVID protocol measures that are I place.
Ravindra Jadeja
Jadeja was one of the casualties of the recently concluded Sydney Test. The all-rounder who was instrumental in restricting Australia's first score in the first innings in Sydney, was at the receiving end of a vicious delivery from Mitchel Starc. He has suffered a dislocation and fracture to his left thumb. He most likely will not feature in the fourth Test to be held in brisbane. Earlier, he had missed the first test after suffering from a concussion in the 2nd T20I against Australia.
Rishabh Pant
The wicket-keeper batsman put on a heroic display of aggressive batting in the second innings at Sydney. This was after he suffered a blow to his elbow in the first innings. He did not take the field following his dismissal. His ability to bat was in doubt in the second innings, but he went on to score 97. His wicket-keeping ability is in doubt ahead of the fourth Test and it wouldn't be a surprise if India decides to drop him.
Hanuman Vihari
Vihari put up a heroic display of defensive batting to secure a draw for India in the second innings of the third Test at Sydney. India were on the backfoot five wickets down in the second innings with more than two sessions to bat. Vihari picked up a hamstring injury while running between the wickets early in his innings. He barely ran between the wickets after that, choosing to block out every delivery or deal in boundaries. He too may be doubtful for the Fourth Test at Brisbane.