Former Team India head coach Anil Kumble has backed Karun Nair as a replacement for Virat Kohli at number four in the upcoming five-match Test series against England. Kumble stated that Nair has experience in county cricket in England, which makes him a front-runner to play at number four in the series.
Karun Nair delivered a stellar performance in the 2024-25 domestic season. Nair scored 863 runs in nine matches, helping Vidarbha secure the Ranji Trophy. Nair, who last played a Test for India in 2017, is one of only two Indian players, alongside Virender Sehwag, to have scored a triple century in Tests.
Speaking on ESPN Cricinfo, Anil Kumble said Karun Nair should be considered for the number four spot. Kumble added that Nair’s prior experience in England could be crucial for the five-match series starting June 20.
"Karun (Nair) probably deserves to come back into the Indian team with the kind of domestic run he has had. So perhaps he could be that number four for India," Kumble told ESPN Cricinfo.
"You need a bit of experience. You need somebody, especially in England, who's been there and done that. He has played county cricket in England, so he knows the conditions. I am sure he'll be someone who will be wanting to part of the line-up," he added.
Don't Know Whether He'll Come Back Into This Team - Anil Kumble
The former India leg-spinner said that younger players like Sai Sudharsan and Abhimanyu Easwaran, who were part of the Australia squad, could be in the mix for upcoming matches.
"There are youngsters too. Sai Sudharsan, again, whether he'll open. (Abhimanyu) Easwawan, he was part of the Australia squad, I don't know whether he'll come back into this team because what we tend to also do is mix formats," Kumble stated.
India are set to begin a five-match Test series against England on June 20 in Leeds. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli recently announced their retirement from Test cricket, and India could field a less experienced batting lineup for their opening series in the new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.
There Will Be A Lot More Hope For Youngsters - Anil Kumble
Anil Kumble also stated that the selectors should reward players based on their performances in first-class cricket. He urged that formats like ODIs, Tests, and first-class cricket should not be mixed. Kumble added that it would inspire younger players to strive for success in domestic cricket.
"I hope the general public who are watching and there is so much of social media exchanges today that people don't mix ODI cricket with Test match cricket or first-class cricket. People who have done well at the first-class level should certainly be given an opportunity to play for India.
"Karun (Nair) maybe on the other side of 30, but with the kind of scores that he has had in the domestic format, if someone like him gets an opportunity then there will be a lot more hope for youngsters to play those domestic formats," Kumble added.
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