Former Indian wicket-keeper Farokh Engineer has heavily condemned batter Karun Nair for his disappointing performances in the current Test series against England, bringing into question his position in India's playing XI for the next fourth game at Old Trafford on July 23.
Nair, returning to the Indian team after eight years, has been unable to deliver with the bat. In the first three Tests, he has scored merely 131 runs, his highest being 40—figures that have been criticized as India are 1-2 down in the five-match series.
Spilling the beans to the Times of India, Engineer wasn't vague regarding the role of a No. 3 batter, stating that flair is not the only way to win games.
"Karun Nair has been getting brilliant 20s and 30s. He's (Nair) scored 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. You need runs on the board. You need (to score) bigger. The expectation should be much higher," he remarked.
Engineer also raised the cause of youngster batter Sai Sudharsan, asking selectors to prioritize form and contribution over age or experience.
"We must select the best XI. I have not watched much of Sai Sudharsan. You've got to choose the best player for now. Who is going to provide you with maximum? You are playing for your nation. Your reputation is involved. So, I would say, don't think about the age. If he is good, play him to win this Test match," he said.
In the midst of the debate, India's assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate has made a balanced defence of Karun Nair, suggesting that the team management is not panicking as yet. Even after losing two close Tests, he was hopeful about the team's overall performance and attitude.
"That may be counter-intuitive when you're 2-1 down in the series. But we feel like the guys have been great for big chunks of the series. The repetition of losing a lot of wickets in a very short period of time has clearly been the main feature of the two losses," said ten Doeschate.
He referred to the collapses in batting at Headingley and Lord's, especially six wickets for 40 runs, as key moments. Nevertheless, he averred that the majority of batters, such as Nair, have exhibited promising signs.
"Even Karun, we think his rhythm is fine, his tempo is fine. We need more runs from the three. But the message is primarily, let's get really keen on what we've done well and sort the little things that have cost us outcomes, basically," he clarified.
As India readies for a do-or-die battle in Manchester, eyes will be on whether the selectors remain with Nair or choose to introduce new blood such as Sai Sudharsan in an attempt to square the series.
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