A difference of opinion was observed during the selection process for replacement of opening batsman KL Rahul. Although ‘a big time off team batsman’ Gautam Gambhir was finalized for the rest of the two remaining test matches, an insider report said that he was not the only choice, but as a matter of fact, he was the third on the line.
The middle order batsman, Manish Pandey was the first choice as he was considered for a like-for-like of the injured batman KL Rahul. The second choice of the motion was considered as Shikhar Dhawan for the playing XI.
Absence Of the opener Rahul doesn’t impact the opening combination experience-wise. Vijay is 32 and he has played 40 Tests. Over the last couple of years he has proved himself as one of the most assured Test opener in the world. If Vijay were out, Gambhir’s inclusion would have offered logic under the pretext of experience. But with a tried and tested opening pair in place — Vijay and Dhawan have been opening the innings for India since March 2013 — a younger player might have deserved the apprenticeship.
Dhawan lost his place as Murali Vijay’s opening partner following Rahul’s emergence in the West Indies, but he has been part of the original squad and is likely to get in by default.
Nevertheless, we have Gambhir to open against the Kiwi’s who has been specially known for his aggressiveness.
