New Delhi: Gautam Gambhir, who last featured for India in Whites during the 2014 England tour, has been recalled for the remaining two tests against New Zealand.
Though the Delhi batsman, who wasn't named in the pre-series squad (a decision that faced severe criticism from fans all across India), was called up mid-series following injury to fellow opener KL Rahul.
What comes out more surprising is the fact that Gambhir's recall was announced on the eve of his only idol, Bhagat Singh's birthday. (READ: Test comeback: Gautam Gambhir thanks BCCI for another opportunity, fans for all the prayers)
The left-handed batsman, who already was jubilant with the test recall, took to micro-blogging site Twitter to express his gratitude towards the freedom fighter on his birth anniversary.
This is what he wrote:
To my only idol, my only mentor, my only hero Bhagat Singh....I bow to ur courage of conviction n wish I had even a fraction of that!
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) September 28, 2016
He called Bhagat Singh his "only mentor," and said he hoped to have "even a fraction" of his courage.
Fellow Indian opener, Shikhar Dhawan also paid tribute to Bhagat Singh through his official twitter account.
Zindagi to apne dum pe Jee jaati hai,
Dusro ke kandho pe to janaze uthte hai. #BhagatSingh pic.twitter.com/Wj79c703hD— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) September 28, 2016
In the recently concluded Duleep Trophy, Gambhir led India Blue all the way, scoring 356 runs from five innings at an impressive average of 71.20 (scores of 77, 90, 59, 94, 36 in five innings). Despite such performances, the selectors chose to ignore him while selecting the initial squad for three-match series against New Zealand.
The selectors also named uncapped spinner Jayant Yadav in the Test squad, in place of pacer Ishant Sharma, who is yet to recover from chikungunya.
It remains to be seen whether both Gautam and Jayant can make this opportunity count and repay the faith shown by the selectors.
