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IND vs NZ, 3rd Test: Gautam Gambhir will open for India in Indore, reveals Virat Kohli
Karun Nair was also named in the squad, following injury to Shikhar Dhawan during the Kolkata Test.
New Delhi: The past few days have got the Indian cricket fans biting their names after the on-going BCCI vs Lodha Panel furore kept them wondering whether the third test match between India and New Zealand will be played or not.
Now that the dilemma over the future of third Test has been cleared, fans are desperately waiting for the match to start – not just because of the whole controversy but also to see Gautam Gambhir in the Indian whites yet again.
Karun Nair was also named in the squad, following injury to Shikhar Dhawan during the Kolkata Test.
Though Gautam Gambhir is the natural replacement to Shikhar Dhawan in the final XI, many fans wondered what Karun Nair is be prefered to the experienced Delhi-born batsman.
But now, the captain Virat Kohli himself has clarified that Gautam Gambhir will be opening for India against New Zealand in the Indore Test.
Kohli said," That's a natural change because of injury to Shikhar (Dhawan), natural because he is the third opener in the team."
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 during the Duleep trophy, and injuries to couple of openers have given him a deserved new chance.
Speaking about the situation, batting coach Sanjay Bangar said, "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,"
Kohli also spoke about Shikhar Dhawan's situation, clarifying that it wasn't a fitness issue but rather injury to his thumb. He revealed, "what happened to Shikhar was not a fitness issue, but a blow on the thumb. We have had injuries, but the good thing is we were able to recognise them early and given them rest. It's a long season ahead and the good thing others have stepped in and taking it as an opportunity (to do well).