Gautam Gambhir has made it back to the India Test team after a gap of two years, and the left-hander has already expressed excitement in being part of the national side. The Delhi batsman might have been picked for Kolkata Test, but it remains to be seen if he finds a place in the playing eleven, and coach Anil Kumble says that he has a chance to play, like the rest of the 15 members in the squad.
After an impressive performance in the first Test, which India won, Kumble would love to retain the winning side, but a hamstring injury to KL Rahul has forced the batsman out of the Test series. This opened the doors for Gambhir, who passed the fitness test at the NCA in Bangalore, and BCCI also decided to pick the Delhi batsman. He will be involved in a direct battle with Shikhar Dhawan for the opener's role.
Shikhar was left out of the first Test as the opener has not been impressive in recent Tests, and Gambhir has made a comeback into the India team due to some impressive performances in domestic cricket. There is selection headache for Kumble and captain Virat Kohli for the historic 250th Test at home, in Kolkata.
Kumble feels it is nice to have Gambhir back, but did not open up about the possible team combinations for the Kolkata Test.
"It is really nice to have Gautam back. Gautam has done very well in domestic cricket and now he is part of the 15 and I don't want to give away anything with regard to team combinations. All 15 are available for selection (second Test)," Kumble said.
The team's thinktank will have a tough decision to make regarding their choice for opener. Kohli may want Shikhar, but he cannot ignore things, which goes in favour of Gambhir, who knows the Eden Gardens conditions well as he represents Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL. Gambhir's ability to handle spinners may help the KKR captain to finally represent India, after a long absence. Will it? Only time will tell.
