Indian media reported a 'voluntary retirement' plan had been drawn up by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

"The new president (Shashank Manohar) has made it amply clear to the seniors," one of the officials said.

Kumble, the third highest test wicket-taker, is the oldest at 37 and is being named captain on a series-by-series basis since Dravid abruptly resigned the job last year.

Tendulkar, 35, made his test debut in 1989 but has suffered a spate of wear and tear injuries while Laxman, the youngest, is 34.

The debate over their future has gathered pace due to good one-day performances by a younger set of players and follows a 2-1 test series defeat in Sri Lanka where the batsmen dubbed the "Fab Four" struggled for runs.

Tendulkar needs 77 runs to overtake West Indian Brian Lara as test cricket's highest run-getter and said last week he had no plans to slow down after achieving it.