Gautam Gambhir deserves a place in the Indian Squad this Champions Trophy, claims Ravi Shastri

Former Indian cricketer and an iconic commentator, Ravi Shastri, claimed that former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir deserves a spot in the Indian side in the upcoming edition of the Champions Trophy in England. Gambhir last played in Indian blues during England’s tour of India back in 2013.

Since then he has received limited opportunities to bat in Test matches. The southpaw has been in a sizzling form in this season of the IPL. He currently holds the Orange Cap with 376 runs in 9 matches by averaging a staggering 62.66 at a strike rate of 136.72. He has hit four half-centuries in the process with the best score of 76*.

Ravi Shastri, in a recent column, vouched for the fact that GG has been the most consistent in IPL and has made a serious case for his selection in the upcoming Champions Trophy.

“Gautam Gambhir has so far been the most consistent Indian opener in this IPL. His batting is still smooth and layered and whenever his bat makes a contact with the ball, there is a run. It’s another matter he could’ve just played as captain and still be worth his weight in gold. Indeed, he has been superb as a leader of his men.” Shastri wrote in his TOI column.

He further augmented about the calibre of the Delhi opener who has hit more fours and half-centuries than any other player in the IPL, without hitting many maximums.

“As a batsman, Gambhir has been unstoppable. Nobody has hit more boundaries or 50s. His cuts still thread past the pointcover region; his dabs still have third man diving desperately and racking up a laundry bill. That he hardly hits a six tells us about the options he still has at the crease. It’s been a task for bowlers to keep him pinned to one end.” quipped the renowned commentator.

He concluded by stating that with the injury to KL Rahul and lack of international match practice of Rohit Sharma, Gambhir has made it very difficult for the selectors to ignore his credentials. “This man obviously wants an India berth. KL Rahul is out of Champions Trophy; Rohit Sharma hasn’t opened this IPL and Shikhar Dhawan is now warming up to the task. This 34-year-old could be a good man to have Kohli’s attention.” said the 54-year old.

However, given the fact that Gambhir has always struggled in the seaming and swinging conditions of England, it has to be a bold decision for the selectors to include the 35-year-old, in the twilight of his career.