Gambhir likely to replace injured KL Rahul ahead of Kolkata Test

New Delhi: Left-handed opener Gautam Gambhir, as per reports, is back in contention for a spot in the Indian cricket team for the upcoming second Test against New Zealand to be held at Eden Gardens in Kolkata from September 30. He is the most likely candidate to replace KL Rahul, who is likely to the match due to hamstring injury.

India recorded historic win against New Zealand by 197 runs in the first Test at the Green Park stadium in Kanpur and Rahul injury has come as big blow. Rahul suffered a blow against New Zealand in the second innings of the first Test at Kanpur and remains a big suspense for the next game. BCCI has described Rahul’s injury as “slight niggle in hamstring” but injury seems to get more serious.

If Rahul fails the fitness test ahead of the second test match, India would need a back up opener to replace injured Rahul and in form Gautam Gambhir is seen as the suitable replacement to fill in the shoes. Gambhir has displayed some fine form in domestic cricket and was rewarded with the captaincy of India blues.

However, with another left hand batsmen Shikar Dhawan, already in the squad, the possibility of Gambhir making an international comeback seems less likely.

Gambhir Scored 4046 runs with a decent average of 42.58 in 56 Tests and played some crucial innings. Gautam Gambhir played his last matches against England at the Ovals in 2014.The Delhi based cricketer managed only three runs in 2 innings before getting dropped.