As the fourth India vs England Test approaches, former cricketers are divided on whether Karun Nair should retain his spot in the playing eleven.
Nair’s Return and Current Form
Karun Nair, who famously tweeted “Dear cricket, give me one more chance” in late 2022, finally made his way back into the India squad after an eight-year hiatus. However, his comeback hasn’t been the fairytale he might have hoped for in the ongoing series against England.
Across six innings in the first three Tests, Nair has accumulated 131 runs at an average of 21.83, with a high score of 40. His individual scores have been 0, 20, 31, 26, 40, and 14. With India trailing 1-2 in the five-match series, the pressure is mounting on the batter to convert his starts into significant contributions.
Calls for a Change: Sai Sudharsan in Waiting
Several former players believe it might be time to bring in young talent like 23-year-old Sai Sudharsan. Former India coach Ravi Shastri highlighted a lapse in concentration from Nair during his dismissal in the second innings of a recent match.
“That was a huge lapse in concentration from Karun Nair to leave a straight ball, a nothing ball, to leave it and open the door for England. I thought that the timing of that dismissal turned things around,” Shastri commented.
Deep Dasgupta echoed this sentiment, suggesting Sudharsan’s youth makes him a valuable investment for the future. “If you have to make one change, it’ll be Sai Sudharsan for Karun Nair,” Dasgupta stated. “While Karun has gotten starts, he hasn’t looked convincing. If you have two matches remaining, invest in Sudharsan.”
Sanjay Manjrekar had also previously expressed his preference for Sudharsan at number three, feeling it was unfair to drop him after just one match. “I’d like to stick with him but this team management is not afraid to chop and change,” Manjrekar noted. “I think Sai deserves that opportunity.”
Arguments for Retaining Nair
Despite the calls for change, some experts believe Nair should keep his place. Former India spinner Anil Kumble advocates for continuity in the playing XI, especially given India’s otherwise strong performance.
“I don’t want to make too many changes because I think India have played a fantastic game,” Kumble said. “He (Nair) certainly keeps his place. He did enough in the first innings. In the second innings, it was probably a brain fade, but he was batting well. That partnership was crucial.”
Key Takeaways
- Karun Nair has scored 131 runs at an average of 21.83 in the series so far.
- Ravi Shastri and Deep Dasgupta point to Nair’s struggles and advocate for Sai Sudharsan.
- Deep Dasgupta emphasizes Sudharsan’s youth as a reason for investment.
- Anil Kumble believes Nair should retain his spot to maintain team stability.
As the fourth Test in Manchester looms, the team management faces a crucial decision regarding Karun Nair’s position in the lineup.
