Is Gautam Gambhir Deserving a Spot in India's ODI Team for Champions Trophy 2017?
Gautam Gambhir's recent form in the Indian Premier League (IPL) has reignited discussions about whether the India selectors should grant him an opportunity to play for the national team in limited-overs formats. This article delves into the reasons why Gambhir is a worthy candidate for the India ODI squad leading up to the Champions Trophy 2017 and addresses the concerns surrounding his suitability for such a high-pressure tournament.
Performances and Justifications
The selectors, who are observing every IPL match, will have compelling data to back the inclusion of Gambhir in the 15-member squad for the Champions Trophy 2017. In this IPL season, Gambhir has displayed outstanding form, which commands a serious re-evaluation of his capabilities within the team. His recent performances are consistent with his previous record, which proves his reliability as a batsman and captain.
His contribution goes beyond just scoring runs. Gambhir's leadership qualities, particularly in high-pressure situations, were evident during the 2011 World Cup final when he scored a crucial 97 runs. This match-winning innings not only brought India back into the game but also set a platform for Mahendra Singh Dhoni's subsequent six that sealed the game. Gambhir's ability to perform under pressure is a valuable asset for the Indian team.
Comparisons and Consistency
While Shikhar Dhawan has had an underwhelming season, scoring runs consistently has been Gambhir's forte. His current run of form is superior to that of Dhawan, making him a more suitable choice for opening the batting in the ODI lineup. Gambhir's ability to maintain consistency is a key factor in his favor.
Additionally, Gambhir's opening partnership with Rohit Sharma or KL Rahul could provide a balanced left-right combination that could be beneficial for the team. His performance in recent tournaments suggests that he can produce match-winning performances, which is exactly what the team needs.
Challenges and Concerns
However, the decision to include Gambhir is not without challenges. His performances on international pitches, specifically on faster, bouncy tracks like those in England, are a concern. The 2013 Champions Trophy, which was held in England, could be a reference point, considering the impactful performance of Shikhar Dhawan that year. But Gambhir's suitability for the 50-over format and his ability to sustain a consistent performance under pressure are crucial considerations for the selectors.
The ability to stay patient and construct innings over multiple overs along with the knack for match-winning contributions are critical in ODI cricket. Gambhir's past performances indicate that he has the potential to excel in these areas, but his recent record and current form will determine whether he can justify these expectations on the international stage.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while there are valid concerns, the recent form and character displayed by Gambhir make him a strong contender for inclusion in India's ODI squad for the Champions Trophy 2017. The selectors will have to weigh his recent performances with his track record and his ability to adapt to varied conditions. If he continues to perform at his best, there is a high likelihood of his selection for the tour.
Will Gautam Gambhir's consistency and match-winning attitude secure his spot in the national team for the Champions Trophy 2017? Time will tell, but his recent form is certainly a compelling argument in his favor.