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"Karun Nair Deserves A Fair Chance": Bhajji Demands Equal Support For Out-Of-Form Batter

Akshita Patel

Harbhajan Singh wants India to back Karun Nair [Source: @TheYorkerBall, @harbhajan_singh/X.com]Harbhajan Singh wants India to back Karun Nair [Source: @TheYorkerBall, @harbhajan_singh/X.com]

Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh has spoken out in strong support of Karun Nair, urging the team management to give the batter a fair run in the team, similar to what other players like Shubman Gill and KL Rahul have received in the past. He believes Nair should play the upcoming 4th Test against England in Manchester.

Nair, who made a return to the Indian Test team after a gap of 8 years, has struggled in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. In the first 3 matches, he has scored just 131 runs across six innings, with a highest score of 40.

His low scores, 0, 20, 31, 26, 40, and 14, have raised questions over his place in the playing XI for the fourth Test.

Harbhajan Singh Urges India To Persist With Karun Nair

Despite his poor returns, Harbhajan Singh feels Karun Nair deserves more chances. In a video posted on his YouTube channel, the ex-spinner opined that all players should be treated fairly. If Gill and Rahul were given fair chances in the past, Nair deserves it too.

“Yes, Karun has not scored runs, but if you gave him a chance, then persist with him for a while. All players deserve a fair chance. Karun deserves it now, and the likes of Shubman Gill and KL Rahul deserved it in the past,” Harbhajan said.

Harbhajan also criticised the team management for giving only one chance to young Sai Sudharsan. He said India should have stuck with Sudharsan after the first Test. However, with Karun promoted to no. 3, he should be allowed enough time to settle and prove himself.

“So, the criteria should be the same for everyone. If others got five or sixes changes, then what crime has Karun committed? I feel that giving just one opportunity to Sai Sudharsan was not justified, but now that you have persisted with Karun till now, then play him here was well,” he added.

The fourth Test between India and England at Old Trafford in Manchester will start on Wednesday, July 23.

India’s Assistant Coach Opens Up On Nair’s Struggles

Ryan Ten Doeschate, India’s assistant coach, addressed Karun Nair’s struggles in a press conference. He acknowledged that while Nair’s rhythm and tempo at the crease has been encouraging, the team needs more substantial contributions from their top-order batters. 

However, he admitted the importance of turning starts into big scores and focusing on small areas that have cost the team crucial moments. Obviously, his comment indicates there is some backing for Nair, but persistent poor showing might push the way open for bench operators like Sudharsan.