India tour of South Africa: Priyank Panchal gets national call-up after 100 FC games

Priyank Panchal's long wait for a call-up for the national side finally ended as he was picked for the Indian Test squad for the South Africa tour after Rohit Sharma was ruled out of the series due to a hamstring injury. The Gujarat opener got his maiden India call-up after playing 100 first-class games.

Also read: Rohit Sharma injured & ruled out of the Test series vs South Africa

It would be a similar dressing room environment for the 31-year-old batter, given he spent plenty of time with Rahul Dravid during his India A stint. Panchal has been part of India A squad for quite some time now and also led the side on a few occasions. Priyank led India A side that toured South Africa recently for three unofficial Tests. He scored 120 runs in two matches with 96 being his highest score.

Priyank was first picked as a standby for the England home series and subsequently got released by the management for Vijay Hazare Trophy in February. In the 100 first-class games, he has scored 7011 runs at an average of 45.52. Panchal amassed 24 centuries and 25 fifties with 314 not out being his highest score.