Rahul announces return, axe may fall on Gambhir

Rahul announces return, axe may fall on Gambhir

New Delhi: On a day when another left handed opener scored his 30th century, much was expected from Gautam Gambhir. He may not have been thought of as Alastair Cook’s answer for India, but he surely raised a lot of hopes after making a comeback into the Indian side. Unfortunately, his stay at the top of Indian batting line up may end up being a short one as the southpaw was dismissed for a golden duck and India landed into trouble in the fifth and final day of the first Test match before Virat Kohli saved the day at Rajkot.

Gambhir’s own form however, may not be the only reason for him to miss out the opening slot as the series progresses. KL Rahul, who Gambhir replaced in the Indian side after the former suffered a muscle strain, has announced his return in the ongoing Ranji Trophy match between Karnataka and Rajasthan with a fantastic 76. 

Rahul, who suffered an unfortunate injury in the first Test against New Zealand, is almost certain to make a come-back in the Indian squad when the selectors sit to pick the team for the final three Tests against England. The right handed opening batsman has proved his fitness and gave a stern signal that the injury has not affected his rich run of form with the bat. Opening the batting against a strong Rajasthan attack consisting of this season’s highest wicket taker Pankaj Singh, Rahul appeared in fine touch. He scored his 76 runs off 85 balls with 15 boundaries and one six. 

Gambhir, on the other hand, got his spot back in the Test side after big scores in the domestic season but the veteran of 57 Tests failed to impress in the first Test against England.  

As India somehow managed to salvage a draw in the first Test, the spotlight will be on Gambhir to save his place in the side when the two sides meet at Vizag on Novemeber 17.