Rahul Dravid: Shreyas Iyer 'will walk straight into the side' if match fit
Head coach Rahul Dravid has insisted batsman Shreyas Iyer will return to India's XI for the second Test against Australia in Delhi, subject to fitness.
Shreyas Iyer.Iyer had been sidelined by a back injury and missed the series opener in Nagpur, but has since returned to the squad.
"Certainly, if Shreyas is fit and ready to go and ready to take the load of a five-day Test match, then it is without doubt that his performance means he will walk straight into the side," said Dravid.
"Shreyas has played well against spin, but what's really stood out has been his temperament. We've been in quite a few pressure situations with Shreyas around, right from the first Test match that he played.
"It'll be nice to have him back, and he certainly has been one of our better players, he deserves it, and people in the team understand that as well.
"They know that if they are replacing someone who is injured, that person will probably come back, and the same thing will be followed for them as well - if they get injured, hopefully we'll be able to give them the same treatment as well."
Australia are contemplating selecting a third specialist spinner in the XI for the second Test alongside the experienced Nathan Lyon and Nagpur debutant Todd Murphy.
They have added left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann to the squad. He has been capped at ODI level, but not yet in Tests. Spinning all-rounder Ashton Agar is also in the squad.
"I think there's a conversation. We'll work that out. We're open to both options. We're really confident both will do a fantastic job out there," said Australia captain Pat Cummins.
"They both had long sessions the last couple of days and looked awesome. If we wanted a third spinner variety we'd be comfortable with either of those two."
India won the series opener by an innings and 132 runs. All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja was named player of the match after taking seven wickets and scoring 70 runs.
The BCCI, meanwhile, have changed the venue for the third Test.
Dharamsala was scheduled to host, but the match has been relocated to Indore.
"Owing to harsh winter conditions in the region of Dharamsala, the outfield lacks sufficient grass density and will need some time to develop fully," said the BCCI.
Ahmedabad has been retained as the venue for the fourth Test.