Gambhir earned his place in the Indian team following an impressive performance in the Duleep Trophy where he scored 356 runs in five innings, including four half-centuries.
India opener Shikhar Dhawan was on Monday ruled out of the third Test against New Zealand at Indore with a minor fracture on his left thumb, which was hit twice by New Zealand pace spearhead Trent Boult during the second match in Kolkata.
This opens the door for veteran opener Gautam Gambhir, who was recalled to the Indian team in place of KL Rahul for the last two Tests. Gambhir had last played for India in the year 2014. Gambhir earned his place following an impressive performance in the Duleep Trophy where he scored 356 runs in five innings, including four half-centuries. Meanwhile youngster Karun Nair has been slotted in the team as a backup opener.
Shikhar, who was hit on his left thumb twice on the third day of the Test yesterday and was taken to a city hospital for scans, has been recommended 15 days rest, which effectively rules him out of the third and last Test, starting October 8.
"A very minor fracture has occurred and he has been recommended 15 days rest, which effectively rules him out of the next Test," said India's media manager after India posted a 178-run win over New Zealand in the second Test here and took an unassailable 2-0 lead in three-Test series. Selectors have been informed about his status," he added.
Yesterday, the left-handed opener took blows on his bottom hand thumb twice with the ball rising awkwardly. He survived some anxious moments, managing to open his account after 14 balls, and the swollen thumb had to be taped. He was soon rushed to a city hospital for x-ray.
He did not take the field on Monday when New Zealand were batting in the second innings.
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 "Gautam Gambhir and Shikhar Dhawan")
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