Karun Nair is under mounting pressure and will be eager to secure a spot in the fourth Test to deliver a significant innings.
Aakash Chopra Backs Karun Nair Despite Poor Form
Karun Nair’s return to Test cricket has not gone as planned, as he struggles to make a significant impact in the ongoing five-match series. Across three Tests, Nair has scored only 131 runs, averaging just over 21. While he has displayed glimpses of his batting abilities with a few promising starts, he has failed to convert them into substantial innings, leading to growing criticism from fans who are calling for his exclusion from the playing XI.
Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra, however, believes Nair deserves another chance. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Chopra urged head coach Gautam Gambhir and the team management to back the batter for at least one more game. He emphasized that players often need a consistent run to regain form and confidence, especially after returning from a long break. Nair’s potential and past performances suggest he can still deliver if given proper support.
‘Playing him another match at No. 3’
The No. 3 spot remains under scrutiny as Karun Nair’s form sparks debate. Aakash Chopra believes Nair should be given another chance, stating that while he hasn’t looked entirely out of place, his scores aren’t enough to guarantee his selection. “I am still tempted to play him another match at No. 3 because he might not get a chance again,” Chopra remarked.
India’s 22-run loss in the third Test highlighted their middle-order issues despite Ravindra Jadeja’s gritty 61*. For the Manchester Test, India are likely to play both Sai Sudharsan and Nair, replicating their Headingley combination due to injuries to Nitish Kumar Reddy and Akash Deep.
