'I feel Karun Nair is... ' - Former cricketer reacts to India's playing XI for ENG vs IND 2025 4th Test
Suresh Raina backs Sai Sudharsan to replace Karun Nair for India’s must-win fourth Test against England at Old Trafford.
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Former cricketer Suresh Raina has thrown his support behind young batter Sai Sudharsan to replace Karun Nair in India's playing XI for the crucial fourth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against England. India, led by Shubman Gill, currently trails 1-2 in the five-match series, making the Old Trafford Test a must-win encounter for the visitors.
Karun Nair made his Test comeback after an eight-year hiatus and was initially slotted in at No. 6. In the series opener, debutant Sai Sudharsan batted at No. 3 but was dropped after scoring 0 and 30. Karun was then promoted to No. 3 for the next two Tests but has failed to convert his starts into impactful innings, with scores of 0 and 20 in the most recent outing.
Raina, speaking to Sports Tak, suggested a change could benefit India. He said, “I think India should go with the same team. However, Sai Sudharsan can be an option because he has done really well. You gave Karun Nair a chance, and he played knocks of 30-35. He is playing well, but just give a chance to Sai Sudharsan. You will have another left-handed batter on the side. He plays the sweep and the reverse sweep quite well. I feel Karun Nair is stuck somewhere.”
Experts weigh in on Karun Nair’s inconsistency
Karun Nair has accumulated 131 runs in six innings at an average of 21.83, drawing criticism from former India wicketkeeper Farokh Engineer. In a conversation with TimesofIndia.com, Engineer emphasized the need for bigger scores from a No. 3 batter: “Karun Nair has been getting brilliant 20s and 30s. He's scored a beautiful 30 runs, beautiful cover drives, and all that. But a beautiful 30 is not expected from a No. 3. You've got to get a not-so-beautiful 100.”
He added, “We should pick the best XI. I haven’t seen much of Sai Sudharsan. You are playing for your country. Your reputation is at stake. If he's good, play him to win this Test match.” While Karun had a strong run with India A earlier this year, scoring 259 runs across three innings against England Lions, he hasn’t been able to replicate that form in the ongoing series. All eyes are now on India’s final selection for the Manchester Test starting Wednesday, July 23.
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