Follow UsIndia number three batter Karun Nair’s performance has been under scrutiny in the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy as the once triple-centurion has only scored 131 runs in six innings he has batted so far. While he has looked good and scored on occasions, he ended up losing his wicket on crucial junctures, which allowed England to make a comeback in the game.
Former Indian cricketer and expert Sanjay Manjrekar argued that India should have kept playing Sai Sudharsan at number three, and not drop him like they did after the first Test loss after he showed promise with the bat.
“Sai Sudharsan was always my number 3 after the first Test match, there was promise shown with 30 runs,” Manjrekar said on ESPNCricinfo, as quoted by The Indian Express.
“And when you have flat pitches and one of England’s weakest bowling attacks, you want to play a young player so Karun Nair at number 3 three I didn’t agree with, maybe the team management might just want to prove a point that we were backing the right horse and give him one more match that’s something happening with team management but I would like to see Sai sudharsan at number 3.”
Meanwhile, former wicketkeeper batter Deep Dasgupta also batted for Sudharsan’s selection and echoed the sentiments express by Manjrekar, arguing that India should invest in his talent.
“In the Playing XI, you don’t want more than one change. If there is only one, it would be replacing Karun Nair with Sai Sudharsan. Because Karun Nair hasn’t made any runs,” Dasgupta said.
“He’s got starts, but hasn’t converted them into big scores. I also believe he doesn’t look that comfortable at the crease either. And secondly, Sai Sudharsan is a young player. If you want to invest in this England series, you’d rather invest in a younger player.
“Karun Nair has got starts in both Test matches, but he hasn’t looked that convincing. So if you’re looking to build ahead, you might as well invest in someone like Sai Sudharsan. Because after this, I don’t know when you’ll come back to a series in England. So when you have two Tests left, invest in Sai Sudharsan.”
The fourth Test will be played from July 23 in Manchester.