In the fourth Test against England, Karun Nair was dropped and he couldn’t retain his place in the playing XI. It was Sai Sudharsan who got the nod instead and the step was taken after Karun Nair’s poor form in the last three Tests. The unexpected change gathered many opinions and backlash as well.
Nair made his return to the Test format after 8 years and many fans, cricket pundits felt that he did not get proper backing from Shubman Gill and the management. Former India cricketer, now turned commentator Aakash Chopra also felt that Nair deserved another chance in the playing XI.
“Sai Sudharsan came in for Karun Nair. Your mind goes back to the press conference on the eve of the Manchester Test where Gill spoke very fondly about Nair, saying the batter didn’t get the right slot to bat in the series opener and whatever, whatever,” Chopra said on his YouTube channel.
“He also said that he has faith in Karun Nair to turn it around. Comes the Test match, he gets dropped,” he added.
“Karun Nair’s road ahead gets difficult. If he had gotten another game, it would have been good. I think he could have been given another game. But since it has not been given, I think this is it. For the time being, how can you bring him into the playing XI?” said Chopra.
“Abhimanyu Easwaran is already in the line. Sarfaraz Khan has not done any wrong. Shreyas Iyer will also be in the scheme of things. Karun Nair had a good opportunity, but he failed to capitalise. His career says ‘never say never,’ but it will be difficult for him as it will not be straightforward,” he added.
Karun Nair has played three Tests in which he scored 131 runs with an average of 21.83, he wasn’t able to make a drastic impact in the ongoing Test series against England.
