Is India right NOT to recall Gautam Gambhir for the South African Tour?

Gautam Gambhir’s last test ton came in January 2010. His last test ton outside the subcontinent came in 2009. He has scored just 2 ODI tons in the last 4 years; with 2 back to back series against Pakistan and England at home. A failed IPL season, which could have been the easy route for Gambhir, as it has always been has damaged his credentials even further.
Which other top team would allow that?

These stats alone shows the miserable state of Gambhir, which has had 2 white washes away from home and the title of "No one can beat us at home" taken away by England.
Gambhir’s out-of-form, for quite a long while now too. Though I don’t care if he doesn’t make a bunch of centuries. That’s precisely what the problem is. 100 and 50 are just numbers. There has to be consistency in the players’ output. Chetan Chauhan was one of India’s best openers at home and overseas, yet never made a century. An opener is supposed to give big and quick starts in the subcontinent and see off the new ball overseas. Gambhir has failed on both fronts.

On the other hand, Murali Vijay and Shikhar Dhawan have grabbed the opportunity with both hands, scoring ton after ton, making it impossible for the selectors to drop any one of them. With Cheteshwar Pujara as the No. 3, there is no vacant spot left for Gambhir. For a very crucial tour, it is important to go with the men in form and with the right balance.
Hence, India is right in looking forward to the future and giving the likes of Rahane and Vijay a stint on the tricky wickets of South Africa.

Irrespective of what Gambhir’s form is like, he was and still is a test talent India would like to continue to invest in. A long stint in County Cricket rather than playing two months of IPL will help.
It’s something I have noticed since I have seen him. Every time he is dropped he comes back stronger and firmer. We want back the Gambhir we always knew.