SA vs IND 2018: Gautam Gambhir Might Replace Injured Shikhar Dhawan in the Test Squad

Shikhar Dhawan is doubtful for the opening Test against South Africa scheduled to begin from 5^th January due to an ankle injury. Just before the team left, Dhawan was seen limping and his left ankle was heavily strapped. Team India went for the tour of South Africa on Thursday as the first Test begins on 5^th January in Cape Town on the back of a historic home season after whitewashing Sri Lanka 3-0 in the T20 series.

In the past 12 months at home, India had won 37 matches in a calendar year which is now second best to Australia’s 38 which they achieved in 2003. Dhawan was a major contributor to Team India’s success in the past 12 months, and his injury is a worrying sign for the team. A BCCI official spoke of Dhawan’s condition and said:

“Shikhar Dhawan’s ankle is being assessed. The physio is yet to give any report to the national selectors. As of now, he is travelling with the team. However, it can’t be ascertained whether he will be available for the first Test match or not.”

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Dhawan is currently travelling with the team but might miss out the first Test, and KL Rahul might be given a chance to the open the innings with Murali Vijay. However, Gautam Gambhir and Abhinav Mukund are being pitted to replace Dhawan if the injury gets serious and Dhawan cannot play in the Test series.

Gambhir has had an exceptional Ranji Trophy, and his heroics with the bat has taken the Delhi team to the final of the tournament. Gambhir has three hundreds to his name in the current Ranji Trophy which has taken Delhi to the final for the first time in a decade.

Mukund, on the other hand, scored 82 against Sri Lanka in his last appearance for Team India and might be included in the squad.