Here are some qualities that Gambhir and Zaheer can add to the team. Take a look…
Indian selectors will sit today to decide a group of players that will board the plane to South Africa. With the all important Proteas’ tour looming, questions remain whether Gautam Gambhir or Zaheer Khan will make the cut. Just to remind you, this is the first Test squad that will be without the iconic, Sachin Tendulkar. Here are some qualities that Gambhir and Zaheer can add to the team. Take a look…
Vital experience:
With Sachin Tendulkar not around, the Indian team boasts of only MS Dhoni as an experienced player. If Zaheer and Gambhir are successful in making the cut, the duo who shared over 100 Tests, can play a key figure role in adding that extra experience to the young Indian team.
Good form
Delhi southpaw Gautam Gambhir has enough to prove the selectors that he requires the ticket to South Africa. His knock of 153 was vital in Delhi’s win over Haryana in the Ranji Trophy. ‘Gauti’ has so far scored 372 runs in six innings in Ranji Trophy this season at a healthy average of 74 plus. He also has a couple of half-centuries in the match against Mumbai. Whereas, Zaheer is in his prime, striking 13 wickets including a fifer against Delhi.
Good ‘away’ record
Gautam Gambhir’s another vital component is in his away form. In the 22 Tests played away, Gambhir averages 47.55 as compared to 41.77 played at home. He has 4 tons and 10 half-centuries to his name and this statistic is enough to prove his credential.
Zak’s better than Ishant:
Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammad Shami and Umesh Yadav will be flying to South Africa but doubts remain whether selectors will go for Ishant over Zaheer. Given Ishant’s failed heroics, selectors could give the green signal to Zak. Also, the Indian bowling trio are right-handed seamers with Zaheer alone being the left-armer.
