Gavaskar surprised at Amit Mishra’s exclusion for second Test

Mishra was adjudged man of the series during last month’s ODI series against New Zealand after bagging 15 wickets from five matches, but took only three wickets in the drawn first Test against England in Rajkot.

"It's surprising that Amit Mishra has been dropped. I think he has been made a scapegoat for India's failure to bowl out England in the first Test in Rajkot," Gavaskar told NDTV.

The former India opener was all praise for Cheteshwar Pujara and skipper Virat Kohli who scored centuries and shared in a 226-run stand for the third wicket to help the hosts recover from 22-2 to post a commanding 317-4 at the close of day 1.

"Virat Kohli puts high-price on his wickets. He has hunger for hundreds. And it's not just his progress as a batsman, but his progress as a person has been phenomenal as well. He is a wonderful role model," the former India skipper said.

"Cheteshwar Pujara's transformation has been great. He is playing a lot more shots. I hope his strike rate encourages IPL teams to pick him," Gavaskar added.