Gambhir may be recalled for Zimbabwe tour

India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who is suffering from hamstring injury, is likely to miss the Zimbabwe tour which begins on July 24. If Dhoni is ruled out of the tour, Gautam Gambhir is expected to be recalled into the Indian team.

The selectors have already named 21 probables for the ongoing tri-series in West Indies. Ambati Rayudu, Manoj Tiwary, Praveen Kumar, Shami Ahmed, Rahul Sharma and Gambhir were among the 21 probables.

Ambati Rayudu was named as Dhoni’s replacement for the ongoing tri-series in West Indies. Irfan Pathan, who was ruled out of the tri-series in West Indies, was replaced by Shami Ahmed.

Also, Manoj Tiwary, who twisted his left-knee, will not feature in the Indian squad for the tour of Zimbabwe. Thus, Gambhir remains the only option, who brings in the much need experience to this inexperienced batting line-up.

The selectors are also thinking of resting the senior members of the squad. Ashwin, Suresh Raina and Ishant Sharma are likely to be rested for the tour of Zimbabwe. If Ashwin is rested, Rahul Sharma might be selected for the short tour.

Also, Praveen Kumar is expected to be part of the Indian squad which would tour Zimbabwe. Murali Vijay, who did not achieve success in alien conditions, will probably be left out of the Zimbabwe tour and the talented Cheteshwar Pujara is set to replace him.

With the selectors eyes on South Africa tour, most of the batsmen who haven’t got opportunities in the Champions Trophy, are likely to be part of India’s A squad which will tour South Africa.

Source: ESPN Cricinfo