Ajinkya Rahane is pretty fortunate that he's still part of India's Test side: Gautam Gambhir

After marching in style during the T20I series against New Zealand, India is all set to lock horns with the Kiwis for a two-match Test series, set to commence on November 25. While Virat Kohli has been rested for the 1^st Test, his deputy Ajinkya Rahane will lead the side in Kanpur. In the same light, former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir has come hard on Rahane’s recent form.

Gambhir stated that Rahane is quite lucky that he is still part of the side and that he is leading. However, the 33-year-old should make the best use of the home series to regain his lost touch, reckoned the former cricketer. Gambhir further shed light on his choice of opening combination for upcoming Tests. He backed KL Rahul to open with Mayank Agarwal in the important clash.

Hopefully, Ajinkya Rahane can make this series count: Gambhir

“I am going to open with Mayank Agarwal and KL Rahul because he opened in England and then probably Shubman Gill will bat at No. 4. Plus, Rahane is pretty fortunate that he’s still part of this side because he’s leading. But again, he’s got another opportunity now, hopefully, he can make that count,” Gambhir said on Star Sports.

Talking about Rahane’s form recently, he is finding it hard to flaunt his usual self and has come up with only one fifty-plus score after smashing a ton in Melbourne during India’s last Border Gavaskar Trophy Down Under. In absence of both Kohli and Rohit Sharma, it becomes extremely vital for Rahane to lead from the front and chip in crucial runs for the side.

Recently, when India whitewashed NZ in the T20I series under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, Rahane took to his Twitter to congratulate the team and stated that many more victories are in line for them. India will play two Tests against NZ, first in Kanpur and the final one in Mumbai from December 03.

“Many congratulations @ImRo45 for a wonderful start with the series victory yesterday. Many more to come!” tweeted Rahane earlier.