Have the selectors truly overlooked Karun Nair?
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Synopsis
Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra expresses concern about Karun Nair's future in the national team after his exclusion from the India ‘A’ squad. With the selectors seemingly moving on, what does this mean for Nair's cricketing career? Dive into the analysis of Nair's performance and the implications for the upcoming matches.
Key Takeaways
- Selectors appear to have moved on from Karun Nair.
- Nair struggled to convert starts into significant scores.
- Shreyas Iyer's leadership opens doors for his return to the Test side.
- Selectors focus on performance and team dynamics.
- Future opportunities depend on upcoming performances.
New Delhi, Sep 7 (NationPress) Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra opines that Karun Nair might have faded from the selectors' consideration after his exclusion from the India ‘A’ team for the multi-day matches against Australia ‘A’. He suggests that the selectors appear to have moved past him.
Nair, who made a return to the Test arena after an eight-year hiatus during the drawn 2-2 Test series in England, did not make a significant impact, scoring just 205 runs across four matches with an average of 25.62. Although Nair managed to get starts, he had difficulty turning them into substantial scores, with his only fifty occurring in the fifth Test at The Oval.
“What led to Shreyas being promoted as captain? The No.3 and No.6 positions in Tests are still available. Sai Sudharsan and Easwaran are included in the squad, but Nair is absent.”
“It's a significant move since Karun requested a second opportunity, which he received. His performance was somewhat adequate, but it wasn't stellar. You can't claim he seized that chance fully, nor can you say his performance was so poor that he should be dropped immediately.”
“He was shuffled around the batting order, batting at No. 3 and No. 6. Despite scoring a few runs, he was dismissed at critical moments. I anticipated he would be selected for the upcoming West Indies tour. Sadly, it appears that you won't see Karun Nair in action now. He is fit but left out. The selectors seem to have chosen to overlook Karun Nair,” Chopra remarked during his YouTube segment on Sunday.
The India ‘A’ team will be led by right-handed batsman Shreyas Iyer, who was not included in the squad for the forthcoming Men’s T20 Asia Cup. Chopra noted the intriguing decision to include Iyer in the ‘A’ team for red-ball matches, indicating a potential pathway for him to re-enter the Test side for upcoming contests against the West Indies and South Africa.
“Shreyas is a fascinating case. He was snubbed for the Asia Cup, which attracted substantial criticism. Yet, he now finds himself leading the India A team. Given the Indian team’s upcoming challenges, it’s reasonable to expect Shreyas to be featured in two of the three formats.”
“He participates in ODIs, and I believe he will get an opportunity in Tests during the series against the West Indies and South Africa. Considering the type of pitches in India, I expect him to perform well. A door has opened for him, and it's promising,” he added.
Point of View
It is crucial to maintain a balanced perspective on Karun Nair's cricketing journey. While performance is paramount, we must acknowledge the selectors' decisions and the broader implications for team dynamics. The future remains uncertain, and we stand with the nation as cricket evolves.
NationPress
07/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Karun Nair not selected for the India 'A' squad?
Karun Nair was not included in the India 'A' squad possibly due to recent performances that did not meet the selectors' expectations, as he failed to convert starts into substantial scores.
What did Aakash Chopra say about Karun Nair's performance?
Aakash Chopra mentioned that while Nair's performance was adequate, it wasn't remarkable enough to secure his place in the team, suggesting that he had not fully seized his opportunity.
Who is leading the India 'A' team?
The India 'A' team will be captained by Shreyas Iyer, who is being given a chance to showcase his skills in red-ball cricket.
What are the prospects for Shreyas Iyer in the national team?
Given his inclusion in the 'A' team, Shreyas Iyer may have opportunities to return to the national Test side, especially in the upcoming series against West Indies and South Africa.
How does this situation affect Karun Nair's future in cricket?
The selectors' decision to overlook Karun Nair could indicate a challenging path ahead for him in national selection, potentially impacting his cricketing career.
