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India Told To Give Karun Nair 'One More Chance' As Ex-Captain Suggests Playing XI For 4th Test

Debashis Sarangi

Karun Nair has had a tough series so far [Source: AP]Karun Nair has had a tough series so far [Source: AP]

Former Indian captain Anil Kumble has urged the Indian team management to keep their playing combination unchanged for the Old Trafford Test against England. Recently, India conceded a crucial 2-1 series lead to the hosts, failing to chase 193 on a deteriorating Lord's deck. 

Kumble Opines Against India's Team Changes For 4th Test

Led by Shubman Gill, India suffered a heartbreaking defeat in the third Test, with England pipping them by 22 runs. 

Despite several players' underwhelming performance, Kumble advised India to back their troops and field an unchanged eleven in Manchester. 

"I don't want to make too many changes because I think India have played a fantastic game. Yes, they lost by 22 runs. Unless injuries, we don't know about Rishabh Pant," Kumble said on Star Sports' Follow the Blues, as quoted by TOI. 

The visitors were particularly let down by their number three batter Karun Nair, who managed only 54 runs across two innings. Nair has failed to convert his starts, scoring 131 runs at an average of 21.83. 

Although he hasn't looked clueless against the moving ball, his knack for getting dismissed in the 20s and 30s has put India in trouble at crucial junctures. 

However, Kumble believes India should give Nair one final chance, considering he has looked confident during his brief stays. The former captain feels a breakthrough knock is just around the corner for Nair, who has all the ingredients to emerge as India's go-to man with the bat in Manchester. 

"If he had gotten out early, then maybe Shubman Gill exposed slightly earlier with the new ball. We know that the first 20 or 25 overs were crucial. I think he will still keep his place. He was unfortunate that he got out. It was a brilliant catch by Joe Root. Probably give him one more opportunity," Kumble added. 

Despite Anil Kumble's backing, Karun Nair's place hangs by a thread, with promising players like B Sai Sudharsan and Dhruv Jurel waiting in the wings. The fourth Test will provide clarity on India's stance on Nair as they gear up for the crucial clash scheduled for July 23.