Batsman Gautam Gambhir has been selected in the Indian Test team after two years. He has replaced injured KL Rahul who pulled a hamstring and has been ruled out of the ongoing series against New Zealand.
Gautam Gambhir is selected for the remaining two matches.
“BCCI medical team has confirmed that team India opener, KL Rahul has an injury in his right hamstring and he is ruled out for the remainder of the Test series against New Zealand. The All-India Senior Selection Committee has named Gautam Gambhir as Rahul’s replacement for the next two Test matches,” India Today quoted a BCCI media release.
Coach Anil Kumble has welcomed Gambhir in the team.
It is nice to have @GautamGambhir back in the team – @anilkumble1074 on Gambhir’s inclusion in the Test squad for #INDvNZ pic.twitter.com/DQbH5FWE94
— BCCI (@BCCI) September 28, 2016
Gambhir had last played a Test in 2014 against England and put a dismal show as he scored an aggregate of 3 runs. He has been out since.
The batsman was in form with four back to back half-centuries in Duleep Trophy. But, he has been doing well in the domestic circuit for a long time.
Watch: Gambhir gave away his man of the match award to Virat Kohli, who scored his first century in ODIs.
Some reports suggest that coach Anil Kumble wanted him in. But, within days of the change of selection panel, he was selected in team. This implies Sandip Patil didn’t see much cricket left in the 35-year-old batsman. But things seems to have changed now.
Gautam Gambhir shared his excitement on his selection.
Excitement of a debutant, certainty of experienced, nervousness of a novice…am feeling it all. Eden here I come loaded with ambitions.
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) September 27, 2016
Nothing beats playing again for d country. Test cricket, whites, red ball and India cap again. Thanks @BCCI, thanks 2 all for d prayers.
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) September 27, 2016
Watch: Gambhir’s contest with Shane Watson beyond bat and ball.
