Gambhir: Vihari should now receive same backing as Rahane at least for 2-3 series

[The Realist]

Ajinkya Rahane has had a tough time in Test cricket for the last two years and now with yet another failure in the second innings, things have fallen out of place for the former vice-captain. Rahane managed just scores of nine and one in the two innings of the ongoing Cape Town Test and his career average has had a massive hit too going to as low as 38 after starting his career at more than 50. The Indian team has continuously backed the experience of Rahane to come good but it looks like curtains now for the 33-year-old.

 

A lot of talks had been going of Rahane being replaced by Hanuma Vihari in the playing XI for the third Test after the latter’s impressive stint at the Wanderers. Vihari’s technique has been way better in tough conditions and he has proven that from time to time when he gets the opportunity. India has already set alarms for Rahane with the vice-captaincy taken from him ahead of the South Africa tour. Gautam Gambhir was very much in support of Vihari to get the nod now after the continuous failures of Rahane.

 

“Hanuma Vihari should get the first opportunity now. He should be backed as much as Ajinkya Rahane was backed, if not more than at least for 2-3 series,” Gautam Gambhir told while commentating on Star Sports.

 

https://www.crictracker.com/hanuma-vihari-should-now-receive-the-same-backing-as-rahane-at-least-for-2-3-series-gautam-gambhir/

[Pollack]

I don't like Vihari (don't think he will survive for long time) but that's my personal opinion. He deserves chances.

[Majestic]

Rahane should be dropped from squad simply.

 

Both Vihari and Iyer should play ahead of him. Even Sundar also.

[QuarantineTormentino]

Rahane should simply be banned for life from cricket and all his supporters and fans should be thrown into Soviet/North Korean Gulags

[helperononline]

Play Vihari instead of pujara and play mayank in rahane's place 

[tweaker]

Iyer should be considered in the middle order .after his debut 100.Gill should bat at no 3

 

The likely team

 

Rohit

Rahul

Gill

Virat

Iyer

Pant

 

[nitinbwj]

Iyer instead of Vihari. 

[urbestfriend]

Vihari should bat at #3, he is not someone who can  take the game forward, so best utilise him to make the bowlers tired like Pujara...Gill or Iyer can play at #5. 

[Yoda-esque]

Vihari is no good, no point having a stop gap

[Vijy]

vihari is a gritty, but still somewhat limited, player. he should get some chances, but Ind need to start looking at technically sound batters. rasheed looks good in the U19 bunch; hopefully he pushes on in the future.