Gambhir returns to Indian Test squad in place of injured Rahul

Seasoned opening bat Gautam Gambhir was on Tuesday included in the Indian squad for the remaining two matches against New Zealand as a replacement for the injured Lokesh Rahul, the Indian cricket board said.

Gambhir has returned to the Indian team after two years, having last turned out in the Oval Test in August 2014.

With pacer Ishant Sharma, who missed the first Test at Kanpur due to chikungunya, yet to regain full fitness, Haryana off-spinner Jayant Yadav was named as his replacement for the second Test slated to begin at the Eden Gardens on September 30, Board of Control for Cricket in India secretary Ajay Shirke said in a release.

"BCCI medical team has confirmed that team India opener, K.L. Rahul has an injury in his right hamstring and he is ruled out for the remainder of the Test series against New Zealand.

"The All-IndiaASenior Selection Committee has named Gautam Gambhir as Rahul's replacement for the next two Test matches," Shirke said.

The release said Sharma was recovering and won't be available for the second Test.

"BCCI medical team will continue to monitor his progress. Off spinner Jayant Yadav will replace Ishant for the second Test," the release added.

--IANS

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