Injury and bad form have plagued India since the Test series in England. And now, for the tour Down Under, India returns with a new look squad raring to perform on the highest stage yet in the longest format of the game. Here is a roundup of a chosen few who have it in them to deliver the goods for India in the much-awaited series.
Gautam Gambhir
Like Ricky Ponting, Gambhir too has not scored a Test hundred since early 2010 but unlike the former Aussie skipper, the left-hander has been in decent touch and a ton could be just around the corner. This will Gambhir's first Test series Down Under and how he faces the new ball will have a huge bearing on the series.
Gambhir's greatest asset is his mental strength and the 30-year-old will be determined to come out trumps against the Aussie bowling attack, which is likely to comprise of Peter Siddle, James Pattinson, Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon, at least at the beginning of the series.
He also has the technique to survive on hard and bouncy wickets and is not afraid to take the attack to the opposition. He is quick to use his feet to the spinners and understands the importance of not keeping Virender Sehwag away from the strike for a long time. A successful tour to Australia is a must on any good batsman's CV and Gambhir will be eager to tick that box on his resume.
Virat Kohli
Kohli is certain to get the nod ahead of Rohit Sharma for the No 6 spot for the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne and a few good performances could see him make the spot his own.
One of the most consistent India players in the ODI format, Kohli did not have a good debut Test series in the West Indies earlier this year averaging just 15.20 over three Tests. But the selectors have been impressed with his attitude and temperament and are willing to give him the long rope, especially with Yuvraj Singh and Suresh Raina struggling in the longest format of the game.
The wise men also believe that the Delhi lad has come of age as a batsman this year and it is only a matter of time before he makes a mark in the five-day game.
Kohli did his reputation no harm notching up 63 in the second innings of the final Test against West Indies after Yuvraj was axed from the squad.
He also gave proof of his good form in the ODI series against the same opponents, averaging 54.33 over the five matches. Kohli has all the shots in the book and also a good defensive technique. Australia is a tough place to tour but the youngster has the mettle and this series could see him develop as a fine Test batsman.
R Ashwin
Ashwin's transformation from a Twenty20 specialist to India's No 1 Test spinner has been quick and welcoming. Man of the series in the debut series against West Indies where he claimed 22 wickets at an average of 22.90 and also notched up a maiden Test hundred sees the off-spinner land in Australia high on confidence.
But things will not be easy for the tall youngster. Apart from Sydney, where the pitch will offer some assistance, the offie will not find the pitches to