Vice-captain Rahul Dravid will take over from Ganguly for the opening Test of the three-match series, an occasion made even more special as it is Pakistan's 300th match.

Ganguly, who injured his lower back during the final one-dayer at Lahore last Sunday, is expected to be fit for the remaining two Tests at Lahore and Rawalpindi.

"It's a horrible feeling to sit out of what will be India's first Test match in Pakistan since 1989," Ganguly said.

"But it can't be helped. The MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans did not indicate any serious damage, but the back pain has not reduced."

It will be the second time this season that Dravid will be leading India in a Test match. Ganguly also missed the second Test at home against New Zealand in October following a boil-induced surgery.

Left-handed batsman Yuvraj Singh will take Ganguly's slot as the sixth specialist batsman behind Akash Chopra, Virender Sehwag, Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar and Venkatsai Laxman.

Tendulkar, who made his Test debut during the previous series in Pakistan in 1989, is the only player from either side to have experienced an India-Pakistan Test match on Pakistani soil.

India have been bolstered by the return of frontline bowlers, seamer Ajit Agarkar and leg-spinner Anil Kumble, who missed the preceding one-day series due to injuries.

Pakistan, looking to make amends for their 2-3 defeat in the one-dayers, played safe by not making a short-list. They will name their team after another close look at the wicket on Sunday morning.