They face a race to be fit with Australia playing their opening game against the hosts in Chennai on October 8th.
Australia's final 15-player squad is due to be confirmed to the ICC by September 28th.
Australia's chief selector George Bailey said the quartet were recovering well and could take part in three ODI warm-up matches later this month against India.
"All are well placed to come back online in the coming weeks and potentially for selection in the upcoming series against India," Bailey added.
Cummins is recovering from a fractured hand while Smith (wrist injury), Maxwell (ankle) and Starc (groin) are also sidelined for the current ODI series in South Africa.
Australia squad: Pat Cummins (capt), Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner, Adam Zampa
