Should India Choose B Sai Sudharsan Over Karun Nair for the Last Two Tests?
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Synopsis
As India faces a critical juncture in their Test series against England, former player Deep Dasgupta argues for the inclusion of B Sai Sudharsan instead of Karun Nair. With Nair struggling to secure his place, this strategic choice could determine the outcome of the upcoming matches. Will India make the right call?
Key Takeaways
- Deep Dasgupta advocates for B Sai Sudharsan's inclusion.
- Karun Nair has underperformed in the series.
- Investing in young talent is vital for India's future.
- India is currently trailing 1-2 in the series against England.
- Upcoming matches are crucial for team dynamics.
New Delhi, July 17 (NationPress) Former wicketkeeper-batter Deep Dasgupta suggests that India should prioritize B Sai Sudharsan over Karun Nair for the remaining two Test matches in the series against England, noting that Nair has not effectively secured the number three position.
Nair, returning to the Test squad after an eight-year hiatus, has only managed 131 runs across three matches and is the sole top-order batsman from either team who has yet to score a half-century in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series.
In contrast, Sudharsan recorded scores of zero and 30 in his debut Test at Leeds and has since been sidelined as India opted for batting all-rounder Washington Sundar for the following matches at Edgbaston and Lord's.
“In the playing XI, you ideally want to make only one change. If there is just one, it should be substituting Karun Nair with Sai Sudharsan. Nair has shown promise but failed to translate that into significant runs. He also doesn’t appear to be at ease at the crease,” Dasgupta stated.
“Furthermore, Sai Sudharsan is a young talent. If the aim is to invest in this England series, it makes more sense to invest in a younger player. Nair has had some starts in both Tests, but he hasn’t looked particularly convincing,” he added.
“If you’re focused on long-term development, it’s wise to invest in someone like Sai Sudharsan. Given that it’s uncertain when India will return to play a series in England, with just two Tests remaining, it’s an opportune moment to invest in Sai Sudharsan,” Dasgupta remarked on JioHotstar.
With India currently trailing 1-2 in the five-match series, the Shubman Gill-led squad aims to rebound in the fourth Test beginning on July 23 at Old Trafford in Manchester, followed by the fifth and final match of the series at The Oval in London from July 31 to August 4.
Point of View
I believe that evaluating players based on performance is crucial for India’s cricketing future. Deep Dasgupta’s insights on investing in young talent like B Sai Sudharsan reflect a forward-thinking approach that aligns with our national cricketing aspirations. The decision should focus on building a strong foundation for upcoming challenges.
NationPress
17/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Deep Dasgupta advocating for Sai Sudharsan?
Deep Dasgupta believes that Sai Sudharsan's youth and potential make him a better investment for India's future in the series against England, especially since Karun Nair has struggled to secure his position.
What are Karun Nair's recent performances?
Karun Nair has scored just 131 runs in three matches during the ongoing series and is the only top-order batter without a half-century.
What impact could this decision have on the series?
Choosing Sai Sudharsan over Karun Nair could provide India with fresh energy and potentially improve their performance, especially with the team trailing in the series.
