Gambhir’s selection does not really make sense: Ajit Agarkar
Sep 29, 2016 at 7:06 PM
Ever since Gautam Gambhir has been recalled into the Indian team, there has been a fierce debate on whether the southpaw should be selected in the playing eleven or not.
Gambhir, who last played for India in 2014, had very bleak chances of making a comeback to the national side as the selectors had indicated that the youngsters will be given enough time to settle at the international level. However, pressure was piling upon them as the Delhi batsman was consistently performing in the domestic circuit. The were severely criticised to select underperforming players instead of Gambhir for the Test series against New Zealand. Gambhir had a brilliant outing in this year’s Duleep Trophy where he led his team to glory. But with all the hopes gone, injury to regular opener KL Rahul worked as a blessing in disguise for the left-handed batsman. Gambhir was called into the Indian team to replace the injured opener.
Now the question that is doing the rounds is whether he should be preferred ahead of Shikhar Dhawan. Well, former Indian all-rounder Ajit Agarkar has given his verdict on the much-debated topic.
Talking to ESPNcricinfo, the former player said that it will be unfair on Dhawan if Gambhir is selected ahead of him.
When asked whether Gambhir makes the playing XI, Agarkar said: “I can’t see how. Unless Anil and Virat have really asked for him, the selection does not really make sense.”
“Shikhar Dhawan is already in the squad. I mean why would you keep Shikhar Dhawan in the squad who is your first choice within the 15 and then get Gambhir and play ahead of him. So I think it’ll be a tad unfair on Shikhar Dhawan if Gambhir plays ahead of him,” he added.
Talking about KL Rahul, he said:” It is unfortunate that Rahul is injured because it seemed like he was starting to get going in Test cricket as well.”
Apart from this, Agarkar also spoke on various topics related to the second Test. Watch the video to know more: