Gambhir, VVS and Ishant return for test series against Kiwis

India are back to their full power side as the three injured players - Gautam Gambhir, VVS Laxman and Ishant Sharma, returned to the side for the three match test series against New Zealand. The above mentioned players had missed the 2nd test match against Australia at Bengaluru with injuries.

Ishant and Gambhir were stressed with knee problems and VVS had to bat with a runner, due to a bad back in that marathon chase at Mohali. Due to the injuries continued during the opening test at Mohali.

Gambhir would be under pressure to perform against the New Zealand. An in-form Murali Vijay, is breathing down Gambhir's neck.

Though Cheteshwar Pujara played an outstandingly well on his debut, retains his place, making a crucial 72 in a match winning chase, he will have to sit out of the playing eleven as Laxman would take his place. Suresh Raina would maintain to bat at No. 6, while an under pressure Dravid will get a chance at 3 to make some crucial runs before the arduous away tour of South Africa.

Yuvraj Singh, was again left dissatisfied when the selectors preferred Pujara as the standby batsman in case someone suffers an injury. Yuvraj Singh, has not played a test match since the 1st test against Sri Lanka at Galle where he scored 52 and 5.

Indian Test Squad: MS Dhoni (captain), Virender Sehwag (vice-capt), Gautam Gambhir, M Vijay, Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, Suresh Raina, VVS Laxman, Cheteshwar Pujara, Harbhajan Singh, Zaheer Khan, Ishant Sharma, Sreesanth, Pragyan Ojha, Amit Mishra.