Indian supporters have criticised Karun Nair for not taking advantage of his opportunity in the current Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025. After eight years, the right-handed batter returned to the international setup, but it hasn’t been a particularly noteworthy one.
He has only amassed 131 runs at an average of 21.83 in six innings. Even more discouraging is the fact that he hasn’t appeared out of character and has nearly always gotten off to a respectable start when he has batted. He hasn’t been able to advance and get a significant score, though. The 40 he scored in the first innings of the Lord’s Test is his highest score to date.
However, Harbhajan Singh, a former off-spinner for India, has pleaded with the team’s management to be a little more patient with the struggling batsman. He pointed out that when players like Shubman Gill and KL Rahul were having trouble securing their spot in the squad, they were given lengthy ropes. According to Harbhajan, everyone should be held to the same standards. The cricketer-turned-commentator did acknowledge, though, that the Shubman-led team made a poor decision in excluding Sai Sudharsan from the starting lineup after giving him the debut in the opening Test match at Leeds.
“Yes, Karun Nair hasn’t scored any runs, but if you gave him a chance, keep trying.”
Every player is entitled to an equal opportunity. In a video posted to his YouTube page, Harbhajan stated, “Karun Nair deserves it now, and the likes of Shubman Gill and KL Rahul deserved it in the past.”
Therefore, everyone should be subject to the same standards. What crime has Karun done if others received five or sixes? I don’t think it was fair to give Sai Sudharsan just one chance, but since you’ve stuck with Karun Nair up to this point, it was appropriate to play him here,” he continued.
Gautam is succeeding as a coach: Harbhajan Harbhajan also backed Gautam Gambhir, the current head coach of the Indian squad and a former teammate of India. The 45-year-old stated that as the team is going through a transitional period, Gambhir need to be given a little more time.
“Gautam had been an excellent player for Team India and is succeeding as a coach. After Australia, this is his first major tour. Getting into the role takes time, and the team is evolving as well. Many things are happening quickly. It would be incorrect to claim that the outcomes have been this way since Gautam’s arrival. The guilt does not lie with Gautam. “He doesn’t play himself,” Harbhajan remarked.
Additionally, Harbhajan stated that he had no interest in guiding the Men in Blue. If there is a chance to tutor the side, though, he will be intrigued.
“I can be a mentor who talks to the squad, gives them motivational speeches, and considers how to move them forward, but I can’t coach. I am always available if I can make even a small contribution.
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