ENG vs IND 2025: 'Shubman Gill, KL Rahul got a long rope in the past, why not Karun Nair?' - Harbhajan backs misfiring batter to play in Manchester

Karun Nair has garnered criticism from Indian fans after failing to seize the opportunities he has had in the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025. The right-handed batter made a comeback to the international setup after eight years, but his return hasn't been memorable.

In six innings, he has only aggregated 131 runs at an average of 21.83. What is more disheartening is that he hasn't looked out of sorts and even got off to decent starts almost every time he has walked out to bat. However, he hasn't been able to go on and get a big score. His highest score is the 40 he made in the first innings of the Lord's Test.

Former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh, however, has urged the team management to show a bit more patience with the misfiring batter. He noted that the likes of Shubman Gill and KL Rahul were given long ropes when they were struggling to cement their place in the side. Harbhajan stated that the criteria should be the same for everyone. However, the cricketer-turned-commentator also admitted that leaving out Sai Sudharsan from the playing XI after handing him the debut in the first Test at Leeds wasn't a great move either from the Shubman-led side.

“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 in a video uploaded on his YouTube channel.

“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.

Gautam is doing very well as a coach: Harbhajan

Harbhajan also supported his former India teammate Gautam Gambhir, who is the current head coach of the Indian team. The 45-year-old mentioned that Gambhir should be given a bit more time as the team is going through a transition phase.

“Gautam is doing very well as a coach, and he has been a very good player for Team India. This is his first big tour after Australia. It takes time for anyone to get into the role, and the team is also changing. A lot of things are happening very fast. If we say that the results have been like these after Gautam's arrival, then it's not right. Gautam is not the one to be blamed. He himself doesn't play," Harbhajan said.

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Harbhajan also mentioned that he is not interested in taking up a coaching role for the Men in Blue. However, he will be interested if an opportunity to mentor the side comes up.

“I cannot do coaching, but I can be a mentor who talks to the team, gives pep talks, and thinks about how to take the team forward. If I can contribute even a little bit, then I am always available.”