All-rounder Sanjay Bangar, who had opened the innings for India in the last seven Tests, has been dropped.
All-rounder Ajit Agarkar has been replaced by left-arm quick bowler Ashish Nehra.
Akash Chopra, Ramesh Powar and Yuvraj Singh have also been named in the 15 member squad for the three-Test series against Pakistan.
India chose Virender Sehwag and Akash Chopra as their openers leaving out Anil Kumble and S Ramesh from the XI.
Leading past and present cricketers from India and Pakistan are expected to play in the May 6 day-night match.
The former India captain said it would be wrong to ask Parthiv Patel or Yuvraj Singh to open the batting in the third Test.
The India opener says he does not mind missing out on a big knock as long as he contributes to the team's cause.
Persistent rains on day one of the first Test between India and Australia at the Gabba suspended play again.
The discarded opener hit a hundred as India 'A', replying to the Kiwis' first innings total of 375 for 7 decl, scored 216 for 4 by close on day 2.
'India's strength is batting and it is under attack right now. It is time to stand up and be counted.'
Ramanand Sagar's grandson turns filmmaker.
India batting great Rahul Dravid says Ajinkya Rahane is more suited to the No. 5 position than No. 3, where he batted in two Tests during the just-concluded series against Sri Lanka.
In this exclusive excerpt from his autobiography, A Century Is Not Enough, Sourav Ganguly makes some startling revelations.
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