VVS Laxman has replaced Virender Sehwag as the vice-captain of the Test side.
While Md Kaif, Ajit Agarkar and Suresh Raina made an exit, Gautam Gambhir and Zaheer Khan returned to the Test squad after a long break. Sreesanth and VRV Singh have also been included in the team.
The decision to recall Ganguly was taken by the national selectors, who, significantly, met BCCI President Sharad Pawar at his residence before their meeting to select the 16-member squad for the three-Test series against South Africa beginning on December 15.