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IND A Vs ENG A: How Karun Nair's Sensational Form Led To Shreyas Iyer, Sarfaraz's Outcast

Anurag Dasgupta

Why Nair was picked over Sarfaraz, Shreyas [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/x.com] Why Nair was picked over Sarfaraz, Shreyas [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/x.com]

When the India squad was announced for the Test tour of England, eyebrows were raised when Karun Nair was selected in the squad but there was no mention of Shreyas Iyer and Sarfaraz Khan. With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli retiring from Tests, two spots were opened and many expected Shreyas and Sarfaraz to grab them.

However, the team went in a different direction as Nair was selected in the squad and Sai Sudharsan received his maiden call-up, filling in the two vacant spots. Despite a bit of outrage, the selectors did the right thing by naming Nair in the squad and here's why.

Nair, the Bradman of India domestic cricket

Heading into the 2024/2025 domestic season, Nair had a point to prove and the hunger to make his India comeback, something which he did achieved after 8 long years.

Criterion
Data
Innings
16
Runs863
Average53.94
50s/100s2/4

(Nair stats in Ranji Trophy)

In just 16 matches, Nair amassed 863 runs with 4 brilliant centuries to his name. He scored truckloads of runs and the selectors had no choice but to look after him and bring the batter back in the Indian setup.

Why Sarfaraz and Iyer were not selected in the Test squad?

Despite having decent India Test career, none of the two - Sarfaraz or Shreyas were picked for the England Test tour.

Criterion
Shreyas Iyer
Sarfaraz Khan
Matches146
Runs811371
Average36.8637.10
50s/100s5/13/1

(Sarfaraz, Shreyas Test stats)

Neither of the two have done bad and actually have decent Test stats, however, many feel that the reason for their omission is the belief that they cannot handle seam and swing in English conditions. Shreyas Iyer played in the one-off Test match Vs England in 2022 and struggled against short-pitched ball.

On the other hand, many feel that Sarfaraz doesn't have the right balance and technique to survive in tricky English conditions and hence, the selectors went ahead with Nair, who is known for having solid technique.