gautam gambhir
Gautam Gambhir has been recalled to the Indian Test side after a hiatus of two years Getty

Opening batsman Gautam Gambhir has returned to the Indian Test side two years after representing his country. The 34-year-old was called up for the remaining home Tests against New Zealand in place of K L Rahul who is suffering from a thigh injury. Rahul had injured his right hamstring while running between the wickets in the first Test in Kanpur.

The Kolkata Knight Riders skipper was recalled after impressive performances in the Duleep Trophy, India's domestic first-class tournament. The left-hander scored 356 in just five innings at an average of 71.20 which made it tough for the selectors to ignore.

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Gambhir last played for India during their tour of India in 2014 where he scored only 25 from four innings as India lost the series 3-1. Overall, Gambhir has a good record in the longest format of the game, scoring 4,046 runs in 56 Tests at an average of 42.58 with nine centuries to his name.

India's premier fast-bowler Ishant Sharma who missed the first Test due to fever will not play the second Test as he is yet to recover. Uncapped off-spinner from Haryana, Jayant Yadav, has been brought in as cover.
Below are some tweets on Gautam Gambhir's recall to the Indian Test side.

Excitement of a debutant, certainty of experienced, nervousness of a novice...am feeling it all. Eden here I come loaded with ambitions.

— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) September 27, 2016

Nothing beats playing again for d country. Test cricket, whites, red ball and India cap again. Thanks @BCCI, thanks 2 all for d prayers.

— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) September 27, 2016

Told you he was far from done! Congrats @GautamGambhir, fully deserved.

— Gaurav Kapur (@gauravkapur) September 27, 2016

Many congratulations @GautamGambhir on the comeback in the Test squad.
Not giving up is indeed a special quality.

— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) September 27, 2016

The return of @GautamGambhir is a tribute to his tenacity and grit, which he possesses in substantial quantities.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) September 27, 2016

Well earned and ably rewarded. Good that @GautamGambhir is back #TeamIndia @BCCI. https://t.co/FJdYL07K5X

— Anjum Chopra (@chopraanjum) September 27, 2016

Gauti's comeback is surely the result of share hardwork & Persistence..Chak Dae Phattae 😊👍👍 @GautamGambhir

— Reetinder Sodhi (@ReetinderSodhi) September 28, 2016

love to you my man. All the best.

— Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) September 27, 2016
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