IND vs SL: Sunil Gavaskar Feels Shreyas Iyer Is “One Hundred Percent” Automatic Pick In The Playing XI For Mohali And Bengaluru Tests

Legendary Indian batsman Sunil Gavaskar has opined that the Indian middle-order batsman Shreyas Iyer is an automatic pick in the playing XI for the upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka National Cricket Team.

The first Test match of the series will be played from March 4 at the Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali, Chandigarh, and the second Test will be played from March 12 at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru.

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Senior Indian batters Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara have been dropped from the Indian Test squad along with Wriddhiman Saha and Ishant Sharma ahead of the upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka.

The No.3 and No.5 spot in the Indian Test batting unit is vacant with Rahane and Pujara getting dropped and there are three contenders – Hanuma Vihari, Shreyas Iyer and Shubman Gill – fighting for those two positions.

Meanwhile, during a discussion on Star Sports, Sunil Gavaskar was asked whether Iyer is an automatic pick in the Test playing XI, to which he replied by saying that. “there is no question about it”. He added that the only question is Iyer’s batting position in the Test team.

“One hundred percent, there is no question about it. Yes, he didn’t play in South Africa, also he wasn’t hundred per cent fit. I think he had an ulcer in the tummy, so I am told. That’s why he wasn’t available for selection.”

“But with the performances he has had in those two Test matches against the New Zealanders, he will be feeling confident. It’s just a question of where he is going to slot in, is he going to slot in at three or at five, that is something the team management will be having a close look at.”

It will probably be Vihari and Shreyas Iyer who will get the first opportunity – Sunil Gavaskar

Batting legend Gavaskar was asked if Shubman Gill would be a better bet in the middle, to which he responded that only two amongst Iyer, Vihari and Gill will find a place in the team. He added Gill has played only as an opener in the team and he will not find a place in the team if he doesn’t open the innings.

“With age on his side, he is somebody the selection committee and the team management will be looking at. But out of Shreyas Iyer, Hanuma Vihari and Shubman Gill – only two will find a place because I think India will go in with five bowlers.”

“Shubman Gill is going to be in the mix but in the matches that he has played so far, he has opened the batting. So if he is not going to find a place as an opening batsman, I don’t think he will play in the XI. It will probably be Vihari and Shreyas Iyer who will get the first opportunity.”

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