Shubman Gill and Gautam Gambhir given Karun Nair message after string of failures: ‘You want the player to…'

By Admin

19 Jul, 2025

India’s recent defeat at Lord’s has reignited critical questions surrounding the team’s composition and the effectiveness of its strategies. Among the names facing intense scrutiny is Karun Nair, whose return to Test cricket hasn't gone as planned. As India prepares for the fourth Test in Manchester, the spotlight now firmly rests on his place in the playing XI.

An Unfulfilled Comeback

Karun Nair's Test comeback was met with enthusiasm from fans and selectors alike. Known for his triple century in the early stages of his Test career, Nair had "banged and broken the door down," as former cricketer Murali Kartik put it. He earned his spot back through consistent domestic performances, but his showings since rejoining the team have fallen short of expectations.

Despite getting starts in multiple innings, Nair has repeatedly failed to convert them into meaningful scores, falling in the 30s and 40s due to lapses in concentration and poor shot selection. This inability to anchor his innings or play a defining knock has led to growing concerns within the team management.

Pressure Mounting Ahead of Manchester Test

As the team heads into the crucial Manchester Test, Nair's spot in the XI is far from secure. Kartik pointed out on Cricbuzz that although Nair was moved up the order due to his experience and past performances, he hasn’t made the most of his chances.

“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… has he grabbed the opportunity so far? I don’t think so, and there will be a lot of pressure on him,” Kartik noted.

Backing for Continuity from Team Think Tank

However, Kartik also emphasized the importance of continuity   something that Gautam Gambhir and Shubman Gill are reportedly aligned with. Gambhir, who has taken on a stronger role in the team’s decision-making, along with Gill, is believed to support giving Nair an extended run in the team.

“Will India look at continuity? They should,” said Kartik. “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.”

Their message seems clear   while backing a player is essential, performance is non-negotiable. The idea is not just to offer chances, but to ensure those chances are justified and yield returns that serve the team’s long-term goals.

Alternatives in the Wings

With Nair under pressure, India has a few backup options. Sai Sudharsan, who made his debut in the first Test but was dropped thereafter, remains a promising prospect. Dhruv Jurel is also being considered, which could lead to reshuffling in the middle order. Meanwhile, Abhimanyu Easwaran   a consistent performer in domestic cricket   is still awaiting a well-deserved Test debut.

Looking Ahead

The upcoming Test will be pivotal   not just for India’s hopes in the series, but also for Karun Nair’s Test career. With Gambhir and Gill believed to be advocating for consistency and thoughtful decision-making, the team faces a delicate balance: remain loyal to experience, or invest in the promise of youth?

One thing is certain   if Nair is included in Manchester, it may be his last shot to convert starts into something substantial. As Kartik aptly summed up, "You want the player to prove that right."