For Karun Nair, the script could have been very different. Once celebrated for his unbeaten 303 against England in 2016, the Karnataka batter was handed a rare second chance when India toured England earlier this year. But what was meant to be his redemption arc has ended in bitter disappointment. Across eight innings, Nair managed only 205 runs at an average of 25.62, with a lone half-century (57 at The Oval) to show for his efforts.
The selectors, led by Ajit Agarkar, had given him an extended run, as the retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli left a gaping hole in the Indian batting unit. But Nair, 33, struggled against England’s pace battery and failed to convert his starts. In fact, he made more than 15 runs six times out of the eight innings he batted in. According to Agarkar, India gave Karun enough chances and the batter didn’t make the most of it. Karun has eventually been dropped, while, Devdutt Padikkal has been drafted in, and Sai Sudharsan keeps his place after showing promise in England.
Mishra’s blunt take on Karun Nair
Former leg-spinner Amit Mishra minced no words when asked about Nair’s omission. “He (Nair) was given a chance. I will say that he was very lucky to make a comeback in the Indian team at the age of 32, 33 or 34. It was an opportunity for him to do well. He played so many matches, but did not perform well,” Mishra told IANS.
Mishra put forward why the selectors are now backing younger players. “It happens that after a while, you have to look at the youngsters who are performing well. You have to give them a chance and Sai Sudharsan is one of the players who will now get more chances. The way he bats, his technique is good, he takes time to get in and then plays his shots. Players like him can be lambi race ka ghoda (ones for the long haul).”
The squad also has enough spinners. With Axar Patel returning to join Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, and Washington Sundar, the attack offers multiple options. Mishra welcomed the balance, saying, “Whenever there is a little help in the wicket, the West Indies always struggle against spin. With left-armers and variety in the attack, India have the right combination.”
India’s squad for West Indies Tests
Shubman Gill (C), KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Narayan Jagadeesan (WK), Devdutt Padikkal, Ravindra Jadeja (VC), Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel, Sai Sudharsan
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