'What Crime Has Karun Nair Committed?': Legend Wants Fair Chance As Gill And Rahul
Ahead of India's 4th Test against England in Manchester, the focus is on their playing XI with eyes fixated on the likes of Karun Nair, B Sai Sudharsan and Kuldeep Yadav. While Nair is increasingly under pressure to keep his spot in the eleven after not performing to expectations while Kuldeep, an attacking wicket-taking spinner, is yet to get a game.
On the other hand, Sai Sudharsan was dropped after making his debut in the series opener. With India trailing 2-1 in the five-match series and dealing with multiple injury setbacks, they have to make some hard choices as they fight to pull themselves on level terms with England at Old Trafford.
Nair stormed back into the India setup after eight years thanks to productive outings in domestic cricket. However, on the ongoing England tour, he has only managed 131 runs across six innings including a duck.
Legendary spinner Harbhajan Singh though thinks that the Indian team management should persist with Karun at Old Trafford even though his returns are below par. He cited the examples of Test captain Shubman Gill and the experienced KL Rahul who have benefitted from getting plenty of chances.
'It's right that Karun hasn't scored runs but if you've given him chances, then persist with him (now). He may have not scored runs as per expectations but he's a good cricketer. 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 said on his YouTube channel.
One Change For Manchester Test
Harbhajan suggested India to bring in Kuldeep Yadav for the all-important 4th Test that starts from Wednesday.
'Bring in Kuldeep Yadav. You don't need a deep batting line-up here. You've Washington Sundar, Jaddu is your backbone. He has batted really well throughout the series," he said.
He also felt that hoping Sai Sudharsan to prove his credentials in just one Test wasn't justified. The top-order batter made 0 and 30 in Leeds before being consigned to the bench.
'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, they play him (in Manchester)," Harbhajan said.
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July 22, 2025, 08:51 IST
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