Gautam Gambhir Backs Ambati Rayudu To Replace Shikhar Dhawan In World Cup Squad

Ever since Shikhar Dhawan was ruled out of the World Cup, the Indian cricketing fratnerity is busy discussing who should replace the star opener in the team and Gautam Gambhir has also given his take on it. Dhawan suffered a thumb injury during the 36-run win over Australia. He was hit on his left thumb by a delivery from Nathan Coulter-Nile early in his innings and needed medical attention.

Dhawan was clearly struggling after receiving the blow but had gone on to score a sublime ton. He was eventually out after scoring 117 off 109 balls. He, however, had not come out to field in the second innings with Ravindra Jadeja replacing him. Scans have now revealed that the opener is unlikely to recover anytime soon.

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The news has sparked a widespread debate over who should replace Dhawan. Latest media reports are suggesting that Rishabh Pant is likely to replace Dhawan. There are also some calls to include Ajinkya Rahane in the side. However, former India opener Gautam Gambhir feels Ambati Rayudu is the man who should get a chance.

Rayudu was a surprising omission from India’s World Cup squad. He had made a comeback to the Indian team during the Asia Cup last year and hit the ground running. He started off with a 60 against Hong Kong, followed by a couple of not-outs and a fifty against Afghanistan which resulted in a tie. His successful stint in the Asia Cup awarded him another chance in the West Indies series.

Rayudu scored 217 runs in 4 innings in the series which included a 100 and 73*. The best of Rayudu was yet to come. He played a match-winning inning of 90 on a tricky pitch of Wellington in the New Zealand series that followed. His matured innings got praised by skipper Virat Kohli who hinted that the headache for number four is finally over.

However, a poor series against Australia at home seemed to have cost him a World Cup spot. Rayudu was later named in the standby list. Gambhir now wants the selector to give the veteran batsman a chance. Gambhir also opined that Rayudu’s career should be considered as over if he does not get a call now.

“If Ambati Rayudu doesn’t make it as Shikhar’s replacement than his career is over. He averages 45 in ODIs and not being part of the World Cup with that average is very disappointing,” Gautam Gambhir told Star Sports.

“If he doesn’t make it than he should pack his bags and only concentrate on the IPL because his international career is over,” he added.

India, meanwhile, will next take on New Zealand in the tournament. The Men in Blue have won their opening two games.

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