Karun Nair’s Spot In Jeopardy? India Assistant Coach Weighs In As Calls Grow For Sai Sudharsan
Karun Nair’s return to the Indian Test side after eight long years has not gone according to plan. With just 131 runs from three matches at an average of under 22 during the ongoing England tour — with Tests at Headingley, Edgbaston, and Lord’s — the Karnataka batter is facing renewed scrutiny.
Although Nair has spent time at the crease, facing 249 deliveries across the matches, he has struggled particularly against quality pace and seam movement. While his rhythm and shot selection haven’t looked out of sync, the lack of runs has become a concern for the team management.
India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate recently addressed questions regarding Nair’s place in the side. Despite India trailing 1-2 in the five-match series, he emphasized that the overall morale within the team remains high.
“That might seem surprising given we’re 2-1 down, but we believe the players have been excellent in most parts of the series,” ten Doeschate said. “The key issue has been sudden collapses — like losing six wickets for 40 runs at Headingley and again at Lord’s.”
He continued, “Individually, the batters are in good form. Even Karun, we think his rhythm and tempo are solid. Of course, we want more runs from him at number three, but the message is to continue focusing on what we’ve done right and work on the small details that have cost us games.”
However, with a week left before the crucial fourth Test at Old Trafford on July 23, the management faces a major decision — whether to stick with the experienced but underperforming Nair or give another chance to the promising 23-year-old Sai Sudharsan.
Sudharsan impressed in his debut but was benched in the following game to accommodate an extra batter lower down the order. Many believe the elegant left-hander did not deserve to be dropped, and his return could bring both stability and future investment.
Commentator and former India wicketkeeper Deep Dasgupta echoed that sentiment, saying, “This Lord’s Test was close. India is still very much in the series. But at number three, you have to ask if it’s time to go with a young talent like Sudharsan, who showed composure in his debut. He’s someone who could still be around for the next England tour, unlike Karun.”
As the team eyes a comeback to level the series, all signs point toward a potential shuffle in the batting lineup — and Karun Nair may be the one to make way.
News Source : Information for this article was gathered from a variety of reliable news outlets.
