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

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: Gambhir

Gambhir was very much intended that Vihari should get the same amount of backing and opportunities that have been given to Rahane despite the lack of form. Rahane got a peach of a delivery from Kagiso Rabada to get a slight part of his glove and the extra bounce did the trick. Nevertheless, he has found ways to get dismissed even while batting so well and this could well have been the last game he played for the Indian side.

“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.

Pujara and Rahane’s quick wickets earlier on day three put India on the back foot straightaway. However, the skipper Virat Kohli stitched hands with Rishabh Pant to get a partnership going as India went into the lunch with a lead of 143 runs and 6 wickets in hand.