Left hand opener Gautam Gambhir, who has been dropped out of the Indian Test squad for almost two years now, may finally join the playing eleven for the second match of the ongoing three-Test home series against New Zealand Gambhir could be called in to replace KL Rahul who has suffered a right hamstring during India’s second innings in the first Test.
Rahul stayed out of the field after he was dismissed for 38 and was substituted by the 12th man, Shikhar Dhawan, who fielded as a substitute.
While Rahul’s appearance in the second Test depends upon his fitness, coach Anil Kumble has asked in-form Gautam Gambhir to be called as a backup opener for the next match in Kolkata, starting September 30, says an India Today report.
Gambhir is likely to undergo a fitness test at the National Cricket Association (NCA) in Bengaluru today.
Gambhir played his last Test for India at the Oval in 2014 but could manage only three runs in his two innings.
His run in the 2016 edition of the Duleep trophy has been excellent. As captain of the India Blue team, the left hander smashed four consecutive half centuries – 77, 59, 90 and 94 – guiding his side to the title triumph.
In his Test career, Gambhir has played 56 matches in which he has accumulated over 4,000 runs that include nine tons and 21 half centuries.
In 147 ODIs, the 35-year-old batsman has scored 5,238 runs with 11 centuries and 34 half centuries.
