Gautam Gambhir backs Karun Nair's inclusion for England Tests
Gautam Gambhir backs Karun Nair’s Test comeback after double ton, highlights value of domestic performance.
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Karun Nair's double century last week in the first unofficial Test against England Lions has brought him into the national limelight again. The right-hand bat, who had played for India the last time in 2017, made a strong statement with his 204 off 273 balls, studded with 26 fours and a six. With the Indian team gearing up for a five-match Test series in England, his current form and experience have been highly valued.
India's head coach, Gautam Gambhir, and recently appointed Test captain, Shubman Gill, spoke on various issues prior to the team's departure for England. Gambhir particularly praised Nair's return and highlighted its significance for domestic cricket and that these performances remind everyone of the value of the domestic circuit and also serve as motivation for young cricketers to strive for national selection.
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Gambhir also emphasized Nair's County cricket experience, saying that his exposure to English conditions will prove to be the key on the tour. With seniors Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli not around, Nair is likely to take on some of the responsibility in the middle order. “Always good to have the experience of Karun. He played County cricket there and is in really good form,” Gambhir said.
Gambhir Supports Consistency Over Short-Term Judgements
Gambhir went on to explain that the Indian team management does not want to judge players based on one or two games. Rather, perennial performers such as Nair will be provided enough opportunities to establish themselves at the international level. "If someone has scored heaps of runs, he will be given a decent run," he added.
Nair's return to the side is not merely an individual comeback but a sign to all local players that good performances will be rewarded. His inclusion is part of a larger strategy by the team management to support form and experience, particularly on testing overseas tours such as the one in England.
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