gautham gumbhir

Though captains do have a say in team selection, I believe, I don't think MSD is a selfish person. If he doesn't select the best team, how would he win matches? And when he loses we are all there to blame the leader, isn't it? Now that he has won two Tests in a row, we still are pointing fingers at him. I think, the team composition matters the most. There is no use in Gambhir playing well in practice matches. If that isn't translated in runs for Team India, what's the use?

The moment I heard Sehwag was dropped, I was quietly confident that Gambhir must have been recalled. But that wasn't to be to my surprise. The selectors are probably looking at the future and that's understandable but dropping the the man who won the country the World Cup final is brutal. I doubt if Dhoni's personal issues with Gambhir are the reason for his non selection but if that's the case, its sad for the team and the nation as well.

Gambhir was in a woeful form before his injury and was struggling. He has just returned back to the domestic game and has scored decent runs, but not really big numbers to speak of. All of these games were ODI format. So the selectors have gone ahead and given a chance to the youngsters. To tell you the truth, the selectors will never get a weaker Australian team than this to try out new youngsters. So if you ask me this is really fine. I am not sure where the selfishness of Dhoni comes into picture in this whole aspect. Cheers! Ram

Hi Dinakar, At this time, both these players, Gambhir and Sehwag, they need some break from International Cricket. No doubt they are the best openers we have got but at this time, it seems they are saturated with the international Cricket. I find it good, let these two spend a few months out of the National team. As far as selection in this series is concerned, here you can give chances to players like Murali Vijay and Shikhar Dhawan and you can expect them to score a few runs, however, we can't have same expectation from these players if they have to play in South Africa. That's why, it's good that Gambhir and Sehwag are taking rest at this point of time and our team is anyways winning the series at home.

He is a class act and he just needs to find the right form again and he is not ticking the balls very well,he needs to change the gameplay

I have become a fan of Sandip patil. He is giving so many under performing players last chances and if they are failing he is axing them. These seniors have to learn a lesson. They can't take a place for granted. Zaheer Sehwag Gambhir Yuvraj out. That's good. Now only Sachin left, if Sachin doesn't perform in two matches, let selectors axe him too. The younger players will perform better. Now pujara dhoni and kohli are indian seniors members and they have to take India forward.

I think there is no discretion in this selection. it's obvious that to drop a player who is not in the form. A team needs a player who can perform and not an experienced player who cannot perform. Let him (Guatam) give some time to regain his form and consider taking him to the team again. Now Sehwag is also dropped form the next test. It's strong point given by selection committee that performance is the only criteria to be in the team.

There are some issues with Gambir and Dhoni. Gambir has made a century against Australian team playing for India A team at Chennai and showed he is still in form to be a opening batsman for India. Still he is out from team. Actually when Sehwag is rested other experienced opener is to be considered. I amn't believing that still Dhoni is as gentle as he was 2 years back to handle team issues with proper sportsman spirit.

I think selectors avoided Gambhir from test squad due to his poor form. He has not been doing well as an opener for past few test matches. And also selectors are giving much trust on the youngsters like Vijay and Pujara.

Well,i think they would like to try out a few others to see if there could be better openers or players.As far as Gambhir is concerned,he has been out of form for extended point of time.Remember that he is not an all rounder and he is an opener.You need to get those crucial partnerships when you are an opener.Unlike 2008-09-10, Gambhir has been less than a shadow for a long time.I think if he can rework on things, he should be back on the team.Remember how Yuvi was sent out of the team and came back strongly.It would be anticipated , he could do that in the same way.I agree Gambhir is an experienced player and has lot fo things to his credit.But then no one is looking at past glory.I do not think Dhoni is selfish on his part.But rather he is looking at different options.He did support Bhajji during the second test.Bhajji has not been even in the 4 wicket haul so far.And little rotation of players also would help the team in many ways as it would keep a good bench for different series.We do not want any more situation like what we had in England 2011 with most of our players injured and out of contention.Hopefully Gambhir will come strongly and lay really well.Thanks!

I know you will not like it, but i believe he should be kept out for some more time. lets see how dhawan and rahane play in these two tests. if you clearly notice, Gambhir scored in the very next match he was declared out from the International Test team. better he stay out and make some more run in domestic cricket, so he can be picked for SA tour.