Revealed: What happened in selection meet when Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan's names came up

New Delhi: Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan's selection was the biggest talking point after India's squad for the New Zealand series was announced.

With Delhi left-hander Gautam Gambhir in superb form, several fans had just question in mind - why were Dhawan and Sharma given the long rope?

Sandip Patil too was asked this question and he admitted to the fact that names of Gambhir and even Manish Pandey were discussed.

"We have stuck to the combination which has done very well abroad. Not many times (do) we see Indian team doing well when we tour," the chief selector said.

According to a report on ABP News, the reason why the selectors persisted with Sharma and Dhawan was rather different.

Skipper Virat Kohli and coach Anil Kumble backed the two and insisted that they be part of the 15-man squad.

With so much debate around their selection, Dhawan and Rohit will be under tremendous pressure against New Zealand.

While Rohit is expected to find a place in the playing eleven, Dhawan is likely to miss out with KL Rahul and Murali Vijay set to open the innings.