IND vs SA: Hanuma Vihari Should Be Backed As Much As Ajinkya Rahane Was - Gautam Gambhir

Former Indian batsman Gautam Gambhir has said that the Indian team management should back Hanuma Vihari after the South Africa test series as much as they have backed the senior players Ajinkya Rahane. Vihari had to make way for the return of Virat Kohli in the third and final Test in Cape Town.

The Indian middle-order batsman scored 20 and an unbeaten 40 in the two innings of the second Test. The 40 he scored helped India to get to 266 as he batted with the tail. the likes of Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane retained their spots despite a string of low scores heading into the third Test.

Hanuma Vihari Should Be Backed Atleast For 2-3 Series More: Gautam Gambhir

“Hanuma Vihari should get the first opportunity now. He should be backed as much as Ajinkya Rahane was backed, if not more than at least for 2-3 series,” Gautam Gambhir told while commentating on Star Sports.

The experienced duo of Pujara and Rahane fell cheaply in the two innings of the Cape Town Test as well. Given their poor performances in this Test series, the management might be forced to look at other options when India plays their next Test series.

Cheteshwar Pujara scored 43 & 9, while Rahane scored 9 & 1 in the two innings of this Test match. Debates regarding how long will the management keep backing them made the round across media outlets. India head coach Rahul Dravid was quick to specify that the experienced duo will still ba backed. Dravid’s comments were echoed by Vikram Rathour in many press conferences.

Meanwhile, the third day’s play at Cape Town has come to an end. India were able to dismiss Dean Elgar after he survived a close call at the start of the third session. The hosts ended the day on 101/2 needing another 111 runs to win the game. India, on the other hand, need 8 wickets to script history.

Also Read: IND vs SA: Watch – Rishabh Pant Gets A Standing Ovation From Indian Team After Scoring Century In Cape Town Test