Gautam Gambhir deserves to be included in India squad for Champions Trophy: Sourav Ganguly

New Delhi: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) skipper Gautam Gambhir has raised his stakes with commendable performances in the Indian Premier League 2017 season and is deservedly being advocated to be picked for India's squad for the ICC Champions Trophy.

Earlier, it was Ravi Shastri urging BCCI selection committee to include the stylish left-hander for the prestigious event, and now Sourav Ganguly has come out echoing Shastri's words.

“Gambhir deserves a place in the national team for the forthcoming Champions Trophy. He is in excellent touch,” india.com quoted Ganguly as saying.

“I am truly elated to have watched Gambhir’s dedication even after playing the game for so many years. More importantly, KL Rahul is yet to regain fitness following injury. So, it will be high time for the selectors to think over Gambhir for the Champions Trophy,” said the former India captain.

Gambhir, presently sits second in the top scorers standings of the IPL 2017 season, 78 runs behind leader David Warner - who has 489 runs. With an average of 51.37 and strike rate of 134.75 in 11 matches, the KKR skipper has not just been phenomenal with the bat but also with his leadership skills in getting the best out of the squad.

Gambhir last played an ODI back in January 2013 against England and was dropped from the squad after he finished the tournament with just 127 runs in five matches. He was recently included in India's Test squad against New Zealand and England, playing one match-a-piece against both.