Legendary Indian batsman Sunil Gavaskar questioned India’s team selection for the Centurion Test against South Africa, saying opener Shikhar Dhawan’s “head is always on the chopping board”.

India made three changes to their playing XI, with Dhawan was replaced by KL Rahul and Ishant Sharma replacing Bhuvneshwar Kumar, whose three-wicket burst in the first morning of the opening Test rocked the hosts.

Wicket-keeper Wriddhiman Saha was ruled out due to a niggle and Parthiv Patel was included is his place. Gavaskar said: “I think Shikhar Dhawan is the ‘Bali ka Bakra’ (scapegoat). His head is always on the chopping board. I also don’t understand why Ishant came in for Bhuvneshwar when he had taken three wickets on an opening day at Cape Town. Ishant could have replaced Shami or Bumrah but leaving him out, I don’t understand.”

India was defeated by 72 runs in the first Test against South Africa at Cape Town.

Virat Kohli’s men had bundled out for 135 in their second innings while chasing 208 to win the Test.