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"Never Given An Opportunity" Karun Nair Backed To Replace Kohli As Gavaskar Seeks Justice

Akshita Patel

Sunil Gavaskar on Karun Nair's batting position [Source: @CricCrazyJohns, @cricadda07/X.com]Sunil Gavaskar on Karun Nair's batting position [Source: @CricCrazyJohns, @cricadda07/X.com]

After a prolonged hiatus from the national team, Karun is back in India’s Test squad for the upcoming tour to England. Meanwhile, former cricketer Sunil Gavaskar believes Nair could bat at no.4, the position which previously belonged to Virat Kohli.

Nair’s Test career saw a peak when he scored a brilliant triple century (303*) against England in 2016 to become the only second Indian after Virender Sehwag to achieve this rare feat. 

However, despite this, his Test career took an unexpected turn. As Sunil Gavaskar recalls, Nair was snubbed in 2018 as youngsters made debuts ahead of him.

Sunil Gavaskar Recalls Karun Nair’s 2018 Snub

During India’s 2018 tour of England, Karun Nair was in the squad but didn’t get to play a single match. Even when the team needed replacements mid-tour, the management brought in young players Prithvi Shaw and Hanuma Vihari. 

"Nair, only the second Indian to score a triple century in Test cricket, was in the team that went to England in 2018 but was never given an opportunity. Midway through that tour when there were injury requirements, Prithvi Shaw and Hanuma Vihari were sent to England. Vihari then made his debut even though Nair was in the squad," Gavaskar said in MidDay column.

Shockingly, Vihari was given a debut while Nair stayed on the bench. This decision confused many, including cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar, who believed Nair deserved a chance, especially since his last Test against England had been historic.

"Today, there's every chance that Nair could bat at No. 4. Those boots are huge to fill but as Nair himself once asked cricket to give him another chance and now that he has got it and it will be interesting to see what he makes of it. Remember Rohit Sharma was also not in that squad and he went on to captain his country. So, if Nair uses the opportunity well and has luck on his side, he could well script a memorable chapter in Indian cricket history," he added.

Now, eight years later, Nair has finally been recalled for India’s Test series in England. With big names like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma retired, India is in a transition phase. Gavaskar even feels Nair could be a good option for the important No. 4 spot in the batting order, previously held by Kohli.

Karun Nair Likely To Form India's Batting Core In England

A few weeks away from the England tour, India's strongest XI boasts a blend of experience and youth. KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal are the preferred openers, with Sai Sudharsan likely to make his debut at No. 3. 

Captain Shubman Gill and Karun Nair provide depth in the middle order along with Rishabh Pant. Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, and Prasidh Krishna provide a well-balanced bowling unit.