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"Karun Nair Wasted His Opportunity": Former India Cricketer Slams Batter For England Slump

Soumyajit Dutta

Murali Kartik and Karun Nair [Source: @Saabir_Saabu01/X.com]Murali Kartik and Karun Nair [Source: @Saabir_Saabu01/X.com]

Karun Nair's much-anticipated return to the Indian Test side, earned through prolific domestic performances, has yet to yield a substantial score in the ongoing series against England. After starting at number six in the Headingley Test, Nair was promoted to number three for the Edgbaston match. 

While showing glimpses of form across three games, he has failed to convert starts into a major contribution, placing his spot under pressure. Commentator and former cricketer Murali Kartik acknowledged Karun Nair's path back but questioned his output so far.

Kartik Questions Nair's Opportunity Seized

Kartik slammed Karun Nair for not living up to his potential and wasting his opportunity while being up the order. Kartik also warned him of having immense pressure after such a poor show in the first three Tests. 

“Karun Nair banged and broke the door, did everything, and made a comeback. That is why he has been in the 11 as well. But from No.5 or 6, he was shifted up to No.3 as he has experience. Given the number of runs he scored, he got a chance because of that. But has he grabbed the opportunity so far? I don’t think so, and there will be a lot of pressure on him,” Kartik said in an exclusive interview with Cricbuzz on the Cricbuzz Chatter show.

Kartik Stresses On Continuity vs. Performance

Murali Kartik then highlighted the dilemma facing the Indian think tank regarding continuity versus results while looking at Karun Nair for another chance in Manchester.

“Will India look at continuity? They should. Because if you are playing any player with some logic, you want the player to prove that right. But it is also important to see if the player has converted the runs based on the experience. Has he done it? maybe not. So it will be interesting to see what Gautam Gambhir and Shubman Gill think about him for the next game,” Kartik added.

Moreover, Nair's immediate future in the playing XI now hinges on the management's assessment of his potential to deliver a significant innings soon, weighed against the need for runs at a critical juncture in the series.