India dealt another blow ahead of Australia series with star batter ruled out for Perth Test

India's preparations for the first Test against Australia have taken another hit, with star batter Shubman Gill set to miss the opening game of the series.

According to The Sydney Morning Herald, the 25-year-old suffered a broken thumb during the team's training session on Saturday and won't play in Perth this week.

Gill was reportedly struck on his left thumb while fielding in the slips during a centre-wicket session at the WACA.

READ MORE: 'They don't want me': RCG lifts the lid on Parra exit

READ MORE: 'I almost died': Tyson's startling post-fight revelation

READ MORE: Aussie 'B team' shake tag in historic T20 series win

The right-hander is one of India's most important players and has notched five centuries in his 29 appearances at Test level, scoring 1800 runs at an average of 37.

The news of Gill's expected absence at Optus Stadium comes just days after it was revealed Virat Kohli had undergone scans for a mystery injury.

The former captain is expected to play in Perth and trained over the weekend.

KL Rahul is also in doubt for the first Test after copping a knock to his elbow at training, while skipper Rohit Sharma remains back home due to personal reasons.

The first game of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy begins on Friday afternoon (AEDT).