Mohali, Nov 5 (IANS): Top order batsman Rohit Sharma, medium pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar and all-rounder Stuart Binny were on Thursday released from the Indian cricket team, which is currently playing the first Test against South Africa here, and are free to join their respective Ranji Trophy teams.

The trio will, however, rejoin the national squad before the start of the second Test to be played in Bengaluru from November 14 to 18. The first Test is being played from November 5 to 9.

The next round of Ranji Trophy starts on November 7.

"Rohit Sharma, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Stuart Binny have been released from the Indian Test team, which is playing the first Test against South Africa in Mohali," a Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) statement said.

"They will join their respective state teams for the next round of Ranji Trophy matches. The players will rejoin the Indian Test team before the start of the second Test in Bengaluru."

Punjab Ranji Trophy players Gurkeerat Singh Mann and Mandeep Singh will assist the Indian team as reserve players during the first Test.