Ravi Shastri bats for Gautam Gambhir's inclusion in India's Champions Trophy squad

New Delhi: Veteran Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir has been one of the top performers in the Indian Premier League 2017 season, presently leading the scoring charts with Orange Cap on his head, having amassed 376 runs in 9 matches so far.

While fans on Twitter launched a campaign #BringBackGG to put pressure on selectors for inclusion of the Kolkata Knight Riders skipper in India's squad for Champions Trophy, Ravi Shastri has also come out in support, especially considering the Men in Blue's struggle in finding a reliable opener.

Shastri wrote in his TOI column, “Gautam Gambhir has so far been the most consistent Indian opener in this IPL. His batting is still smooth and layered and whenever his bat makes a contact with the ball, there is a run. It's another matter he could've just played as captain and still be worth his weight in gold. Indeed, he has been superb as a leader of his men.

“As a batsman, Gambhir has been unstoppable. Nobody has hit more boundaries or 50s. His cuts still thread past the pointcover region; his dabs still have third man diving desperately and raking up a laundry bill.That he hardly hits a six tells us about the options he still has at the crease. It's been a task for bowlers to keep him pinned to one end.”

The former Indian team director said that India are running out of opening options with some players injured and others off form.

"This man obviously wants an India berth. KL Rahul is out of Champions Trophy; Rohit Sharma hasn't opened this IPL and Shikhar Dhawan is now warming up to the task. This 34-year-old could be a good man to have Kohli's attention," Shastri added.

So far in this IPL season, Gambhir has scored runs at an average of over 60, along with a healthy strike rate of 137.72.