rahul1117kumar
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Gautam Gambhir has done everything right (scoring runs in Duleep Trophy) to get back in the Indian team. The left-hander was initially ignored for Test series against New Zealand, but KL Rahul’s injury paved way for his return. However, Gambhir did not find a place in the playing XI for the second Test and Shikhar Dhawan replaced the injured Rahul in the side. Interestingly, Dhawan due to a minor fracture on his left hand has been ruled out of the third and final Test . So that makes Gambhir an automatic selection for the vacant opening position. But that may not be the case.
The Indian captain, Virat Kohli, might be tempted to bring in an extra spinner as the pitch at Holkar Stadium in Indore is likely to assist spinners. It may be noted that the stadium will host its first Test, but they pitch is not the fresh one. According to a report in TOI, the pitch will have less grass on it and the ball is expected to turn from second or third day of the Test match.
Ravi Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja shared the spin duties in the first two Tests and were successful. Given the turning track and New Zealand’s vulnerability against spin, leg-spinner Amit Mishra might get a look in as third spinner as Indian think tank might replace batsman with a bowler. So, Mishra is likely to replace the injured Dhawan in the playing XI. If this happens, Cheteshwar Pujara might be asked to open the innings.
Pujara has opened the innings before and facing the new ball won’t be a new job for him. The right-hander has previously opened six times and has a century and two fifties against his name. Also, Rohit Sharma looks in good touch after scoring valuable 82 in Kolkata. So India can afford playing an extra bowler.
Mishra was dropped from last two Tests against West Indies, but it would be safe to say that he fits more in India’s scheme of things than Gambhir. So, giving him a game in home condition will help the spinner and thereby team India in a long run. There is already a tight contest running between Murali Vijay, Rahul and Dhawan for the opening positions and with age against Gambhir there seems to be no chance for the left-handed batsman in the future.
India leads the three-match series 2-0, and now will be eyeing to go for a whitewash. Going for the kill with all-out spin attack seems feasible and thus Kohli and coach Anil Kumble might bring in spinner instead of a batsman or Mishra instead of Gambhir.
Virat Kohli won’t pick Gautam Gambhir for third Test against New Zealand, here is why - India.com
The Indian captain, Virat Kohli, might be tempted to bring in an extra spinner as the pitch at Holkar Stadium in Indore is likely to assist spinners. It may be noted that the stadium will host its first Test, but they pitch is not the fresh one. According to a report in TOI, the pitch will have less grass on it and the ball is expected to turn from second or third day of the Test match.
Ravi Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja shared the spin duties in the first two Tests and were successful. Given the turning track and New Zealand’s vulnerability against spin, leg-spinner Amit Mishra might get a look in as third spinner as Indian think tank might replace batsman with a bowler. So, Mishra is likely to replace the injured Dhawan in the playing XI. If this happens, Cheteshwar Pujara might be asked to open the innings.
Pujara has opened the innings before and facing the new ball won’t be a new job for him. The right-hander has previously opened six times and has a century and two fifties against his name. Also, Rohit Sharma looks in good touch after scoring valuable 82 in Kolkata. So India can afford playing an extra bowler.
Mishra was dropped from last two Tests against West Indies, but it would be safe to say that he fits more in India’s scheme of things than Gambhir. So, giving him a game in home condition will help the spinner and thereby team India in a long run. There is already a tight contest running between Murali Vijay, Rahul and Dhawan for the opening positions and with age against Gambhir there seems to be no chance for the left-handed batsman in the future.
India leads the three-match series 2-0, and now will be eyeing to go for a whitewash. Going for the kill with all-out spin attack seems feasible and thus Kohli and coach Anil Kumble might bring in spinner instead of a batsman or Mishra instead of Gambhir.
Virat Kohli won’t pick Gautam Gambhir for third Test against New Zealand, here is why - India.com
