Manish Pandey replaces Rahane for remaining two tests
The middle order batsmen Ajinkya Rahane has been ruled out of remaining two test matches due to niggle. Karnataka batsmen Manish Pandey who is currently playing Ranji Trophy match against Maharashtra at Mohali has been called up. Manish Pandey was selected in ODI series against New Zealand and did not perform according to expectations.
Manish Pandey has been performing well for his state side Karnataka. He made his ODI debut against Zimbabwe in 2015. The young batsman was selected in ODI squad on the tour of Australia. In the final game at Sydney, he scored a 104* to register a consolation win.
Manish Pandey performed well in India A tour of Australia. He was the leading runs scorer in the tournament with more 350 runs. Under his captaincy, India A won that tournament. The call up to the test squad is a big chance for him to prove that he belongs to the big stage. Rahane suffered the injury during the training session at Mumbai today.
India will be going into fourth test with a 2-0 lead in the series. Manish Pandey will hope perform well in the fourth test.
While Shardul Thakur has been called as a cover for Mohammad Shami who has a stiff leg might be doubtful for the fourth test at Mumbai. Shardul Thakur is a young fast bowler who plays for Mumbai in domestic circuit.
Manish Pandey has done well for Karnataka in Ranji Trophy. Manish Pandey will hope to grab his chance with both hands and score important runs for India. It is special moment for Manish Pandey to get a chance in the longer format of the game.
The fourth test of the five match test series will start on December 8 at Mumbai.