Former Selector Points Out 'Certain Pattern' That Should Worry Team India In Tests

Vijay Dahiya has known Gautam Gambhir for over two decades while navigating the choppy waters of Delhi cricket together, hence he is certain that his former teammate would address Indian team's tough transition phase in his inimitable chin-up style. For India's current head coach, the Test series defeat against New Zealand at home, a first in 12 years and after 18 victories on the trot, would be a bitter pill to swallow. But Gambhir can't be faulted if there's a sense of déjà vu.

As a player, he had witnessed first-hand a tough transition phase between 2011 to 2014 when Duncan Fletcher took over a team – from Gary Kirsten after the World Cup campaign – filled with a number of superstars who were over the hill.

Ravichandran Ashwin is 38, Rohit Sharma 37 while Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja are nearing their 36th birthdays.

Then there is Mohammed Shami, currently injured but also in the mid-30 range, walking towards the sunsets of their glittering careers.

“There won't be any knee-jerk reaction as team for the third Test against New Zealand and Australia series has been announced but Gautam will be honest and upfront about everything,” Dahiya, who has worked with Gambhir in both Delhi Ranji Trophy and Lucknow Super Giants teams, told PTI.

Dahiya admits that transition phases looming round the corner are always tough but vouches for Gambhir's communication skills.

“Best part about Gautam is his communication and whoever he will speak to, he will speak openly and in-front,” said the former India stumper.

Another former India stumper and ex-chairman of selectors MSK Prasad feels that ageing is a reality which one can't shy away from but one needs to look at the approach taken while playing at home.

“Age is natural and you