Karun Nair’s comeback has been disappointing. Heaps of runs in domestic cricket were backed by a double hundred for India A. The experienced batter looked set to succeed. But it’s been anything but. 3 matches later, Nair is the only top 5 batter who hasn’t scored a half-century in the India vs England Test series.
What crime has Karun Nair committed?
Now, everyone wants a change. Sai Sudharsan, who had made his debut in Birmingham, was dropped, and Nair took over the number three position. People want Sudharsan back. But former Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh thinks Nair deserves more chances.
“It’s right that Karun hasn’t scored runs, but if you’ve given him chances, then persist with him (now). He may not have scored runs as per expectations, but he’s a good cricketer,” Harbhajan said on his YouTube channel.
The cricket great explained that players need to be treated equally. Before being named India’s Test captain, Shubman Gill was averaging just 35.05 after 32 matches. KL Rahul, even after scoring 2 hundreds in the ongoing series, averages just 35.26 after 61 matches.
Both have been given long ropes. Bhajji wants the same for Nair. Yes, he hasn’t made the most of his 6 chances. However, you need to give players time to prove if they are suited for international cricket. Considering Nair is 33, this might be his last chance. So, give him a long rope, and if he fails, by all means, bring someone else.
“I think every player deserves a fair chance. Shubman Gill, KL Rahul—they all (were given chances) deserved. The benchmark should be the same for everyone. If others are getting 5-6 chances, then what crime have Karun Nair or Sai Sudharsan committed (to have not gotten more chances)?” Harbhajan added.
Sai Sudharsan’s time will come
He had a similar viewpoint on Sudharsan. The 23-year-old was dropped after making his Test debut. Harbhajan thinks that Sudharsan should be given a lot of matches as well. However, that can’t happen right now since Nair is batting at his position. But when Sudharsan’s time comes, he should be backed to the hilt.
“I don’t think one chance for Sai Sudharsan was justified to prove his talent. He’s a talented player and will come good, but if you are persisting with Karun, then play him (in Manchester),” Harbhajan said.
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