India recall Gambhir as Rahul ruled out of series

New Delhi - Veteran opener Gautam Gambhir was Tuesday recalled to the Indian Test squad after two years in place of the injured Lokesh Rahul for the remainder of the Test series against New Zealand.

The 34-year-old Gambhir, who last played a Test in 2014 against England, has been picked in the 15-member squad after a good showing on India's domestic circuit.

Rahul suffered a hamstring strain in the first Test and will not be available for the next two matches, said a statement from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

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

The left-handed Gambhir, who recorded 356 runs in the recent Duleep Trophy domestic championship, has played 56 Test matches for India since making his debut in 2004 against Australia.

Meanwhile pacer Ishant Sharma, who missed the first game due to the mosquito-borne disease chikungunya, was also ruled out of the second Test starting Friday in Kolkata.

Off-spinner Jayant Yadav has been named as Sharma's replacement.

India lead the three-match series 1-0 after a 197-run triumph against New Zealand in Kanpur.