Indore focus: Gautam Gambhir all but certain to play third Test against New Zealand

Gambhir last played for India in a Test match against England in 2014.

New Delhi: Gautam Gambhir's case has been a strong one, and with injuries to Lokesh Rahul and Shikhar Dhawan, the KKR skipper is all but certain to play the Indore Test.

On a day of hectic cricket actions, both on and off the ground, India batting coach Sanjay Bangar reportedly hailed Gambhir as "a quality player" who has "ticked all boxes" in the recent months.

"I think Gautam Gambhir is a quality player... What he has done really for himself, for the time he was out of the Indian team, was performing for his franchise and state side. When he got an opportunity in the Duleep Trophy, he was one of the top scorers there. That too against the pink ball which certain batsmen found that was difficult to pick. Yes, he ticked all boxes," Bangar said. (ALSO READ: Virat Kohli's big headache)

Gambhir, 34, last played for India in a Test match against England in 2014, and has been out of India reckoning. But a good domestic season, and injuries to couple of openers have given a new chance.

"Untimely injury to KL Rahul Shikhar Dhawan made sure that there is a place for him. He is something of a quality performer. Proven record against spin bowling and the number of Test matches we are going to play in India, he becomes an important player right at the top of the order," Bangar added.

The batting coach's words can be taken as a hint to Gambhir's Test comback.

The third Test match will be played at Indore's Holkar Stadium starting Saturday. India have already taken an unassailable 2-0 lead over New Zealand in the three-match series.