Kyle Abbott has been called up to replace Philander, and he will join the squad on Friday morning.
Proteas team manager, Dr Mohammed Moosajee explained: "Vernon rolled his left ankle during practice at the stadium in Bengaluru this morning. He was taken to the hospital for an MRI scan which confirmed an ankle ligament tear which will rule him out of the current series against India.
"He will return back to Cape Town this weekend to be assessed by one of Cricket South Africa's specialists. At this moment it is still too early to tell but he will be out for a period of at least six to eight weeks.
Abbott last played a Test match for South Africa against the West Indies in December 2014.
Meanwhile, JP Duminy and Morne Morkel have both recovered from their respective injuries and are available for selection for the second Test starting at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday.
