Challenger Trophy Final: Five players to watch out for

3. Gautam Gambhir (Delhi, opening batsman)

Gautam Gambhir

He recently scored a century during his short stint with English county side Essex, and has shown patches of his old, consistent scoring self. However, the out-of-favour India opener will have to do a lot more than just improve his batting.

He needs to get the big scores, convert the 20s and 30s into something more substantial. The only way he can get back into form is to change his shot selection, and hold off on playing the flick in response to the incoming delivery.

Of late, he has also shown a proclivity to play away from his body, resulting in edges snapped up by close-in fielders. The longer he stays in, getting a feel of the conditions and the track, the heavier he will score. India Blue’s bowlers, particularly Bhuvneshwar Kumar, will target him as he can take the game away from them once he is well-set.

His chances of an India recall hinge on this single game; hopefully he comes out with all guns blazing.