Rohit Sharma has to wait for his chance to make it into Test playing XI: Gautam Gambhir
Former Indian cricketer turned politician Gautam Gambhir on Thursday stated that Rohit Shama has to wait for a spot in India’s Test team playing XI as Ajinkya Rahane and Hanuma Vihari are justifying their selection.
India’s ODI deputy Rohit Sharma has been in brilliant form especially after the ICC World Cup and is member of the Test squad touring the Caribbean. Rohit was not selected for the first Test with Ajinkya Rahane and Vihari living upto the expectation in the series, it is uncertain that Rohit will feature in the second Test.
"He (Rohit) has got to wait for his opportunity. There is Rahane, who has done well now and Vihari too. So he has to wait and when gets that opportunity, he needs to perform," Gambhir told PTI.
During the first Test, Ajinkya Rahane went on to cumulate 81 and 102, his first century in over two years, while, on the other hand, Vihari amassed 32 and 93 as India claimed 318 runs win over the Windies.
"I am not at all surprised (with Rahane's performance) but it was a much needed performance, both from individual and team's point of view. And when it comes in a winning cause, it doesn't get better than that," said Gambhir, who played 58 Tests and 147 ODIs for India.
Youngster Rishabh Pant is now team India’s first pick wicketkeeper across all formats, getting ahead of Wriddhiman Shah, who is back in the team after an injury. Previously, Wriddhiman Shah was India’s first choice wicketkeeper.
Gautam Gambhir reckons Wriddhiman Shah too has to wait for his chance.
"When someone (Pant) is averaging 48 (45.43 actually) with the bat and scored a hundred each in England and Australia, he deserves to be playing Test cricket. Saha needs to wait for his opportunity as Pant has grabbed his opportunity with both hands," Gambhir added.
Not long ago, former Indian cricketer Syed Kirmani had stated that Wriddhiman Shah should be given a chance before Rishabh Pant.
