Ricky Ponting has ruled out calling on exiled all-rounder Andrew Symonds at any stage of his side's four-Test tour of India.

Symonds, who made his return to cricket for the Gold Coast Dolphins in their three-wicket loss to University of Queensland in the opening round of the Cougar One-Day Cup on Sunday, was overlooked for the 15-man squad after failing to attend a team meeting ahead of the recent one-day series with Bangladesh.

But while he is resigned to living without the services of the dynamic Queenslander against the star-studded Indians, Ponting, an ardent supporter of Symonds throughout his career, is confident he still has plenty to offer at the highest level.

"I thought there were some positive signs for Andrew last week in that he faced the press and said what he said and probably admitted to a few of his shortcomings," Ponting said.

"But that's great, that says he's on the right track and for me as a captain and all the other players we're obviously delighted with that.

"And we hope that that keeps going in a positive direction and that we can have him back in the Australian team sooner rather than later."

Pressed on the likely timing of a return, Ponting replied: "How quickly it happens is up to him, there's some things that by listening to him the other day he knows he now has to do and it's a matter of him going out and getting those things done.

"I wouldn't have thought that'd be too soon.

"It's going to take time for him to address some of his issues and he'd probably be the first to admit that now."

Ponting conceded Symonds' absence - particularly his prowess against spin bowling - would be missed in India, but backed his remaining players to get the job done.

"It's no good worrying about it or thinking about it but you miss someone with his skills and his personality around the team," he said.

"He's a terrific bloke to have around and he will be when he comes back - if he wants to come back.

"But we've got the squad that we've got, we've got some other terrific players of spin in that side as well and guys that have been there and had success in the past."