Former India opener Gautam Gambhir wants Virat Kohli to make a shuffle in the playing XI for the second Test match in Christchurch. According to Gambhir, India should go in with five bowlers and added that Ravindra Jadeja should be picked in place of Hanuma Vihari.
“Game wise, I think Kohli should play five bowlers. He should play Ravindra Jadeja in place of Hanuma Vihari whether the wicket is flat or a green top,” Gambhir penned for Times of India.
Gambhir was instrumental in India winning the 2008-09 Test series on the Kiwi land. The southpaw hit a record 436-ball 137 and batted out time to draw the first Test and followed it up with a match-winning ton in the next Test match.
Gambhir, who is the current BJP MP from East Delhi, also threw shades on under-fire opener Prithvi Shaw. The opener failed to convert starts on both occasions at Wellington. Shaw’s shot selection has been under scanner. However, Gambhir feels the youngster should be given appropriate amount of time to flourish.
Prithvi Shaw (Credits: Twitter)
“A lot is being is said about Prithvi Shaw and his batting style. We just need to increase our patience with the boy’s talent. He can serve India for long. The team will do well to shut the windows to keep doubts and naysayers out,” Gambhir concluded.
The visitors faced a major blow as pacer Ishant Sharma, who bagged a hat-trick in the 1st Test, has been ruled out due to an injury. With Jasprit Bumrah not at his best, Kohli might have to sweat a bit to pick his XI.
