Is Karun Nair’s ‘one more chance’ in England over? India coach says ‘we want more’ amid Sai Sudharsan calls
Sayuri YukiKarun Nair has scored only 131 runs across three matches, averaging under 22 in the series so far.
Karun Nair’s Struggle and Sudharsan’s Potential Call-Up Amid India’s Do-or-Die Series
After pleading for “one more chance” in a viral December 2022 post, Karun Nair earned a recall thanks to his stellar domestic season and the Ajit Agarkar-led BCCI selection committee’s faith. However, his return hasn’t gone as planned, with just 131 runs at an average below 22 across three matches in the ongoing series. Following India’s crucial defeat at Lord’s, leaving them 1-2 down in the five-match contest, calls have intensified for Sai Sudharsan to replace Nair in the upcoming Manchester Test.
Nair’s comeback came eight years after his last appearance, buoyed by a double century for India A in England. Yet, he has struggled to find that form in the senior team.
India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate weighed in amid the debate, emphasizing the team’s collective performance rather than individual failures.
“It might seem counter-intuitive when you’re 2-1 down, but the guys have been excellent for large parts of the series,” he said, highlighting how sudden wicket losses at key moments have cost India crucial matches.
“Karun’s rhythm and tempo are good; we want more runs from him, but the focus is on building on strengths and fixing the small errors that have hurt us,” Ten Doeschate added, suggesting patience with Nair despite the pressure.
Deep Dasgupta Backs Sai Sudharsan’s Return Over Karun Nair
Former India cricketer Deep Dasgupta advocated for Sai Sudharsan’s inclusion in the playing XI in place of Karun Nair.
“In the playing XI, you don’t want more than one change. If there is only one, it should be replacing Karun Nair with Sai Sudharsan. Karun Nair hasn’t converted his starts into big scores and doesn’t look fully comfortable at the crease,” Dasgupta said during a JioHotstar analysis.
He added, “Sai Sudharsan is a young player, and if you want to invest in this England series, investing in a youngster makes more sense. Nair has gotten starts in both Tests but hasn’t looked convincing. With two Tests left, this is the perfect opportunity to back Sudharsan.”
Sudharsan made his Test debut in Leeds, scoring a duck in the first innings but improving with 30 runs in the second. He was dropped in the next Test as India opted for more bowling options by including all-rounder Washington Sundar.
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