Jaffer feels that Hanuma Vihari and Shubman Gill have squandered their opportunities

The Indian national team is spoiled for choices, especially in the batting department, as young players are waiting eagerly on the side benches for their opportunity.

According to former Indian opener Wasim Jaffer, Shubman Gill and Hanuma Vihari have failed to make use of their opportunities to secure their spot in the team. 

After the Gabba innings, Gill hasn't managed to score big as his highest score during the time period being 52. Moreover, he has only achieved more than 30 runs four times in his last 15 innings.

In both the innings in Edgbaston, Gill managed to find Zack Crawley in slips off Anderson's bowling. But, with Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul injured, it was his time to shine and make his place permanent in the team. 

Similar has been the case of India's new No-3, Hanuma Vihari. Vihari hasn't been able to get a continuous run in the team due to competition and injuries. 

The middle-order batter from Hyderabad doesn't seem to get out of this rough patch he is on. His performance in Australia gained a lot of respect, but injuries saw him make way for younger players.

Since then, he has managed to play 4 test matches with an average nearing 35. That might not be as bad as compared to certain other players currently in the squad, but the management doesn't seem to consider him as a match-winning option. 

Shreyas Iyer and Suryakumar Yadav have been performing well in the white ball circuit and might even get selected over Vihari.   

With players from domestic cricket waiting for their opportunity, it would be tough for Gill and Vihari to have an extended run in the squad.

When asked by the media whether Gill and Vihari missed out on the opportunity to cement their place, Jaffer responded- "Yes. Because after this, the main players like Rohit Sharma and Rahul will return. Players like Sarfaraz Khan are knocking on the door, and even Suryakumar Yadav is available. So yes, to some extent (they have missed a chance)."

Sarfaraz has been in the form of his life, being Player of the Tournament and leading run scorer in the recently concluded Ranji Trophy. It won't be long until we see the Mumbai batter in Indian whites.