Injured spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has bowled in the nets ahead of India's selection call for the Boxing Day Test.
Vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane deferred to a team spokesman when asked on Christmas Eve about Ashwin's availability.
India have said they will make a Christmas Day call on whether they recall Ashwin, who has had an abdominal strain.
Fellow spinner Ravindra Jadeja also has needed shoulder injections and team management are unsure whether he will come into the side.
India were criticised widely for playing a four-man pace attack after losing the second Test in Perth.
While there is uncertainty around Ashwin and Jadeja, opener Rohit Sharma could return to the side in Melbourne.
He also missed the Perth Test because of a back injury.
"Rohit is fit, because he batted (on Sunday) in the nets and he's looking really good," Rahane said.
He was upbeat about India's prospects, despite losing the second Test.
Rahane added the few days off between Perth and Melbourne had been vital.
"Coming to Australia for a Test series, (if) someone would have told us that after two Tests the result will be one-all , we would have taken it," he said.
"We got a nice break after the second Test which was so necessary.
"You feel tired after playing intense cricket (and) for the Indian team, this break was really good and we are starting afresh."
Rahane also said it was vital that he and the rest of the top order supported their bowlers.
"As a batting group we discuss these things in detail," he said.
"Since the South African tour, the Indian bowlers consistently get opposition out twice.
"If we batters play well and support our bowling unit, results will be different."
The No.5, who has scored two 50s in the Test series and is averaging 41, said it is vital that he takes the fight up to the Australian attack.
"Reading the situation is really important, because we all know the Australian attack, they come really hard at us," Rahane said.
"Putting them on the back foot is really important, rather than just taking your time.
"Sometimes it is important to take your time, but we have Pujara, who takes his time really well.
"But batting four or five, sometimes you have to think ahead of the game, one or two steps ahead, and thinking about the counterattack."
