Aakash Chopra and Harsha Bhogle feel Karun Nair is unlucky

As the clock was ticking towards the start of play in the fifth Test between England and India, one youngster was all over the news. The 24-year-old Hanuma Vihari, who was picked in the Indian squad for the last two Tests was handed over the 292nd Test cap for India by skipper Virat Kohli. Incidentally, this is the same Test match that will be English legend Alastair Cook’s last game.

He replaced Hardik Pandya in the side and the Indian skipper termed him to be an interesting prospect. The right-handed middle-order batsman from Andhra Pradesh was flooded with wishes on the social media. While many were pleased with his inclusion in the playing XI, some felt otherwise.

Analysts surprised with Vihari being picked

Karun Nair, who has been a part of the Indian squad for quite some time now is waiting for his opportunities. After scoring the blistering triple century against England in India, he hasn’t got as many chances as he would like. Despite the other batsmen failing, he was continuously ignored for a spot in the side on this tour.

Hence, many felt that he would finally get a nod in the fifth Test. However, that wasn’t to happen which left Aakash Chopra and Harsha Bhogle perplexed. Both of them took to Twitter to share their thoughts about Nair not being picked and termed it unfair.

“It’s quite intriguing that no one is talking about the possibility of playing Karun Nair…If India wants to play 6 batsmen, he should be the first choice. If bowling a little is the deal-breaker, it’s another matter… #EngvInd,” Aakash Chopra wrote in his tweet.

It’s quite intriguing that no one is talking about the possibility of playing Karun Nair…If India wants to play 6 batsmen, he should be the first choice. If bowling a little is the deal-breaker, it’s another matter… #EngvInd

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) September 7, 2018

Following up Chopra, Harsha Bhogle too believed that the selectors have made a ‘huge statement’ by not picking Karun Nair. “India’s selectors have just made a damning statement of what they think of Karun Nair as a player. Very very hard on him. Would love to know what he was told when the team was announced,” he wrote.

Although this selection was quite unfair on Nair’s part, Hanuma Vihari has done no wrong and definitely deserves a place in the XI following up his domestic performances. But the only question that arises is if it was the right time to pick him with Nair already waiting in the ranks.

India's selectors have just made a damning statement of what they think of Karun Nair as a player. Very very hard on him. Would love to know what he was told when the team was announced.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) September 7, 2018

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