Key Points

Deep Dasgupta believes India should replace Karun Nair with Sai Sudharsan for the remaining Tests against England. Nair's poor form and lack of big scores have raised concerns. Sudharsan, though inexperienced, offers long-term potential according to Dasgupta. India trails 1-2 in the five-match series with two Tests left.

Key Points: Deep Dasgupta Backs Sai Sudharsan Over Karun Nair for England Tests

  • Karun Nair struggles with just 131 runs in 3 Tests
  • Sai Sudharsan showed promise in debut despite limited chances
  • Dasgupta highlights Nair's unconvincing batting technique
  • India trails 1-2 with two Tests remaining in England
2 min read

India should invest in Sai Sudharsan over Karun Nair for last two Tests: Deep Dasgupta

Former cricketer Deep Dasgupta urges India to invest in young Sai Sudharsan over Karun Nair for remaining England Tests, citing poor form and future potential.

"If you want to invest in this England series, you’d rather invest in a younger player. - Deep Dasgupta"

New Delhi, July 17

Former wicketkeeper-batter Deep Dasgupta believes India should look to have B Sai Sudharsan over Karun Nair for the final two Test matches of the ongoing series against England, citing that the latter hasn’t really nailed the number three spot.

Nair, who’s made a comeback to the Test team after eight years, has made just 131 runs in three games and is the only top-four batter from either side to have not hit a half-century in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series.

Sudharsan, meanwhile, made zero and 30 in his debut Test at Leeds and has been benched since then as India brought in batting all-rounder Washington Sundar for the matches at Edgbaston and Lord’s.

“In the Playing XI, you don’t want more than one change. If there is only one, it would be replacing Karun Nair with Sai Sudharsan. Because Karun Nair hasn’t made any runs. He’s got starts, but hasn’t converted them into big scores. I also believe he doesn’t look that comfortable at the crease either.

“And secondly, Sai Sudharsan is a young player. If you want to invest in this England series, you’d rather invest in a younger player. Karun Nair has got starts in both Test matches, but he hasn’t looked that convincing.

“So if you’re looking to build ahead, you might as well invest in someone like Sai Sudharsan. Because after this, I don’t know when you’ll come back to a series in England. So when you have two Tests left, invest in Sai Sudharsan,” said Dasgupta on JioHotstar.

With India now 1-2 behind in the five-match series, the Shubman Gill-led side will be aiming to bounce back in the fourth Test starting on July 23 at Old Trafford in Manchester, before the fifth and final match of the series takes place at The Oval in London from July 31 to August 4.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
I think we're being too harsh on Karun Nair. He's just made a comeback after 8 years! Give him at least one more match. Remember his triple century? The talent is there, just needs time to settle. #KeepTheFaith
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Aditya G
The real question is - why are we experimenting in such an important series? Both players are unproven at this level. Should have stuck with experienced players like Pujara who know English conditions well. Poor selection strategy!
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Sarah B
As a cricket fan living in UK, I've seen Sai Sudharsan play county cricket. The boy has serious temperament! His 30 in tough Leeds conditions showed more promise than Nair's entire series. Time to blood the youngster!
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Karthik V
Selectors need to think long-term. We're building for WTC cycle. At 22, Sudharsan could serve India for 10+ years. Nair is 32 already. Simple maths hai yaar! 💯
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Nisha Z
Why not play both? Drop Sundar and play Sudharsan at 3, Nair at 5. Our batting needs reinforcement after consecutive collapses. England's bowling is too good for half-measures!

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