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28 March 2024

Ind, Aus Test: Gambhir dropped, Harbhajan back

Gautam Gambhir (AFP)

Published
By Staff

Ahead of the four-match Test series against Australia, beginning February 22, Indian national selectors dropped Gautam Gambhir and called back off-spinner Harbhajan Singh.

Gambhir's hard luck continues after his disappointing performance during the England series.

Since his last Test century, more than three years ago, Gambhir has averaged 30.2 over 26 Tests

The opening spot will be concern for team India after losing both Virender Sehwag and Gambhir. Finding a replacement for the all-important series will be a challenge.

Sehwag was dropped from the one-day squad against England and the selectors sent a strong message again by dropping Gambhir from the 15-player Test side.

Delhi's Shikhar Dhawan replaced him in the squad, which retained Tamil Nadu's M Vijay.

However, it's a big relief for off-spinner Harbhajan Singh as he replaces Piyush Chawla.

Harbhajan, who was dropped from India's Test squad for the fourth match against England, has taken 16 Ranji wickets for Punjab at 32.23. In the Irani Cup, he took three wickets in the first innings, and two in the second.

Uttar Pradesh swing bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar was rewarded for an impressive start to his India career in the Pakistan and England limited-over series.

Ishant Sharma and Ashok Dinda are the other two pace-bowling options.