Gautam Gambhir hints at Karun Nair's Test return on England tour with extended run
Head coach Gautam Gambhir has hinted at a return to the Test side for Karun Nair during the upcoming tour of England. Gambhir stated that the Karnataka batter would be given an extended run when he gets his opportunity, adding that his experience and form in English conditions would be valuable for the team.
Gambhir and newly-appointed captain Shubman Gill were addressing a press conference ahead of the Indian team’s departure to England.
Nair has been named in India’s 18-man squad for the five-Test series, which begins on 20 June. The 33-year-old has earned a recall to the Test setup for the first time in seven years, following a prolific run in domestic cricket.
“It’s great for domestic cricket. It’s great for the future of domestic cricket. All the youngsters who are playing domestic will understand its importance: ‘if you keep doing well in domestic cricket, doors are never shut’,” Gambhir said.
EXTENDED RUN FOR KARUN?
Nair, who travelled to England last month, began his tour with a double century for India A in the first of two unofficial Tests against the England Lions in Canterbury.
“It’s good to have the experience of Karun, who has played a bit of County cricket. He has scored runs there and hit a double hundred for India A. It’s always good to have players who are in good form on these kinds of tours.
“His experience will definitely come in handy, and hopefully he can deliver.
“More importantly, we will not judge someone by one or two Tests. You guys can. We won’t. I think if someone has scored heaps of runs, he will be given a good run at this level as well so that he can showcase his talent here,” Gambhir added.
