SEE | Steve Smith's heartwarming message for India as he returns to Australia

Australia skipper Steve Smith had to return to Australia early after he was ruled out of the three-match T20I series against India due to a shoulder injury.

Before the first T20I in Ranchi, it was announced that Smith will return to Australia and David Warner will lead the team in his absence.

Smith has returned home and expressed his gratitude towards India on his Instagram account.

"India it's been an absolute pleasure. The One Day tour didn't go to plan and after injuring my shoulder in the last game I'm unfortunately heading home to give it some rest and rehab. I look forward to watching the boys turn the tides in the next 2 T20s," he wrote.

 

India it's been an absolute pleasure. The One Day tour didn't go to plan and after injuring my shoulder in the last game I'm unfortunately heading home to give it some rest and rehab. I look forward to watching the boys turn the tides in the next 2 T20s

A post shared by Steve Smith (@steve_smith49) on Oct 8, 2017 at 9:22am PDT

The 28-year-old, who is top of the ICC Test batting rankings, is set to recover in time for the start of the Australian domestic season, but it is another concern for the hosts following the injury to key bowler James Pattinson. The first Ashes Test begins in Brisbane on 23 November.

"He has had an MRI scan which has excluded serious injury, but we believe the best course of action is for him to not continue to aggravate his shoulder and allow it to recover," said Australia's team doctor Richard Saw.

"He will have further investigation upon his return to Australia but we remain confident he will be available for the start of the Sheffield Shield season."

Marcus Stoinis has replaced Smith in the T20 squad.