India vs New Zealand: Gautam Gambhir to replace injured Lokesh Rahul for 2nd Test at Eden Gardens?

New Delhi: Discarded Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir could replace injured opener Lokesh Rahul for the second Test between India and New Zealand scheduled to be played at Eden Gardens from September 30. (India vs New Zealand - Full Coverage)

According to a report in India Today, Rahul, who has been in brilliant form for the Indian team across formats, suffered a right hamstring during India's second innings and did not field as Shikhar Dhawan came on as a substitute.

To be on a safer side, coach Anil Kumble has reportedly asked the Delhi batsman to be called in as a backup.

Gambhir has been in fine form in the Indian domestic circuit and his exclusion from India's 15-man squad for the three-match series raised many eyebrows. (Fans 'attack' Virat Kohli for picking Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan over Gautam Gambhir)

The selectors instead opted for Rohit Sharma, who justified his place with a decent unbeaten 68-run knock in the second innings at Kanpur.

Gambhir played his last Test for India at the Oval in 2014 where he only managed three runs in his two innings and since then he has been out of the Indian squad. (REVEALED! Here's why BCCI preferred to pick Rohit Sharma over in-form Gautam Gambhir)

Gambhir's brilliant form in Indian domestic circuit

Leading India Blue in Duleep Trophy final, Gambhir was one of the rare Indian seniors who made an impact. The 34-year-old slammed five consecutive half-centuries for his team. His scores of 77, 90, 59, 94, 36 had strengthened his case of a comeback in the Indian Test team. During all those knocks in Duleep Trophy, one thing which everybody noticed was his stance. The new stance did wonders for Gambhir, who amassed 356 runs from five innings. India Blue defeated Yuvraj Singh-led India red comprehensively by 355 runs.