Gautam Gambhir returns..

Opening batsman Gautam Gambhir has returned to India's Test set-up two years after playing his previous international. He was called up for the remaining home Tests against New Zealand in place of the injured KL Rahul. Gambhir was picked after showing good form in the Duleep Trophy, the domestic first-class tournament featuring the top-performing players in the country.

Selecting Gambhir is a regressive move. He most certainly should not have been selected. I really like Gambhir, quite honestly he is one of the finest batsman India has produced and no doubt is phenomenal in all styles of the game.

Gambhir, 34, played his last Test in August 2014, on India's tour to England. He aggregated 25 runs on that tour, from four innings, as India went from a 1-0 lead to losing the five-match series 3-1. That series, too, was a comeback for him, as he was dropped in 2012 and missed all India's Tests in 2013 due to a sharp decline in form.

I think GG should open with MV. KL Rahul will be back soon, once he is back there will be an options for him to replace GG, Dhawan or Rohit in the team of 15. KL Rahul will get in playing XI immediately either replacing GG on top or Rohit @6. There is no need to change other batting orders. If Ashwin is not fit then it might be even difficult to conclude playing XI.To me, it looks like Team India is looking for an alternate backup left hand opener to pair up with Vijay or Rahul at the top. It makes sense considering that Dhawan is ineffective in swing / seam conditions. But they have gone man to man replacement with Gambhir who himself is a walking wicket when ball swings to seams.