Picture Credit: X/@BCCI
On Thursday, June 5, Team India head coach, Gautam Gambhir along with newly-appointed Test captain Shubman Gill addressed the press conference prior to their departure for England, ahead of the highly-anticipated Test series. It is to be noted that India is set to lock horns with England in a five-match Test series, starting from June 20 in Headingley, Leeds.
Moreover, with the trophy in line, the Men in Blue will aim to return victorious, hoping to end their 18-year wait of the trophy. Seeing the series just days away from start, Gambhir during the press address, hinted on Karun Nair’s return in the Indian Test cricket team. It is to be noted that the 33-year-old made his return into the Indian side after seven long years after his domestic cricket brilliance off late.
His experience will definitely come in handy: Gautam Gambhir on Karun Nair
Speaking at the pre-departure press conference, Gambhir alluded to Karun Nair making a comeback in the Test team. "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," the former India cricketer said.
"His experience will definitely come in handy, and hopefully he can deliver,” the 42-year-old said. He also backed the Karnataka batter, while adding that his performance will not be judged on one-two Test matches, instead backed him for longer run. “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.
It is to be noted that Karun Nair has played six Tests for India till date, scoring 374 runs with his best of 303*. He is currently in England, playing for India A squad where he smashed a double century (204) in the first official Test against England Lions.
India’s squad for England Test series
Shubman Gill (C), Rishabh Pant (VC & WK), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Karun Nair, Nitish Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohd. Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav
