Karun Nair likely to be dropped from India squad for Sri Lanka Tests

Young Karnataka batsman Karun Nair had become the talk of the town after his heroics in the Chennai Test last year. Playing against England in the Test fixture, Nair had slammed a triple century in the first innings of the game for India. He had entered the record books as only the second Indian ever to hit a triple century in the history of Test cricket.

Needless to say, he was being tipped to be the next big thing in Indian Test cricket. Also, his huge number posed a threat to someone like Ajinkya Rahane as a certain starter in India’s playing eleven. However, what followed next was something that the Karnataka lad least wanted. In the home Test series against Australia, he returned with scores of 26, 0, 23, and 5 in the three matches that he played.

His flop show raised a few questions over his technique. These, in particular, had intensified after his golden duck during one of the games in the series. India’s next Test assignment is in July this year. And by the look of things, it seems that Karun Nair is likely to be dropped from the India squad. This conclusion can be arrived at due to the fact that he has recently been named in the India A squad that will be touring South Africa for limited overs fixtures against South Africa A and Australia A.

This series will clash with the Sri Lanka Test series. Both series will commence on July 26. The first Test between India and Sri Lanka will commence on July 26 at Kandy and the first game of the A tri-series starts on the same day as India A plays Australia A. With Karun Nair named in the A squad, it is pretty much clear that the selectors might axe him from the Test squad.

Might still be called for India Tests

However, as per the quotes in News18, if the words of former selector Kiran More is to be believed, then Karun Nair can still get a chance in the India Tests. He quoted, “I don’t think that is the case. He can always be called up for the Test team and someone else can be named to replace him. I do understand your point that the ‘A’ series to South Africa is clashing with the Test series in Sri Lanka, but there is no reason to feel that the selectors are looking to ignore him for the Test series. Also, if Nair does go ahead and travel with the ‘A’ team, it is good for his confidence.”