'Difficult for Rahane to retain his place in playing XI against South Africa': Gautam Gambhir

Ajinkya Rahane’s place in the Indian Test team has become one of the hot topics of debate. The right-hand batter has endured a lean patch in Tests this year, with his average dropping below 25. The BCCI selection panel, however, has persisted with the seasoned campaigner for the three-match Test series against South Africa. Former India cricketer Gautam Gambhir though believes it will be tough for Rahane to make it to the playing XI against South Africa.

Few young players like Shreyas Iyer and Hanuma Vihari have done well in the limited opportunities that they have got. Iyer got to make his Test debut against New Zealand and scored a century in his first innings in Kanpur. Against a quality bowling attack, the right-hand batter played a sensible knock and helped India post a fighting first innings total.

Vihari has also fared well for India in the 12 matches he has played. “Tough, that is what I can say because he is not a starter, to be honest. I feel Ajinkya Rahane will find it difficult to get a place in the playing XI,” Gambhir said during an interaction on the Star Sports show Follow the Blues.

“You have got Shreyas Iyer; it will be very difficult for India or the captain to drop him because of his recent performances. At the same time, Hanuma Vihari has done really well as well,” he explained further.

India will play three Tests against South Africa. The first Test match will begin on December 26 at the SuperSport Park in Centurion.