Gambhir is back

To replace injured L Rahul in series

Experienced opener Gautam Gambhir today returned to India's Test squad after two years in place of injured Lokesh Rahul for the last two matches of the Test series against New Zealand.

Rahul was ruled out of the remainder of the Test series due to a right hamstring injury that he sustained during the first Test in Kanpur, while running between the wickets.

"BCCI medical team has confirmed that team India opener, KL Rahul has an injury in his right hamstring and he is ruled out for the remainder of the Paytm Test series against New Zealand," BCCI Secretary Ajay Shirke said in a release.

"The All-India Senior Selection Committee has named Gautam Gambhir as Rahul's replacement for the next two Test matches," he added.

Pace spearhead Ishant Sharma, who was ruled out of first Test due to chikungunya, will miss the second match as well at the Eden Gardens and uncapped Haryana off-spinner Jayant Yadav was named as his replacement.

"Medium pacer Ishant Sharma is recovering and won't be available for the second Test of the series to played in Kolkata," the release said.

"BCCI medical Team will continue to monitor his progress. Off spinner Jayant Yadav will replace Ishant for the second Test."

Gambhir had appeared for a fitness test at the NCA in Bangalore on Tuesday.

The 34-year-old Delhi batsman, who played his last Test in August 2014 on India's tour to England, was impressive in the recent Duleep Trophy, where he scored four back-toback half-centuries including two 90 plus scores.