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Making a comeback to the Test side after eight years, Karun Nair lasted in India's playing XI for three Tests. A young Sai Sudharsan who made his Test debut in the series opener, replaced him as the no.3 batter. With the 33-year-old getting dropped from the playing XI, questions are being raised whether the team management has given up on the Nair. After Day 4's play, India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak was asked the same question. While Kotak said, he does not have a part in selecting the playing XI, he said that Nair still has the team management's backing.
“Selection is between Gautam [Gambhir] and the captain. But Karun did not bat badly in this series. He got starts. It’s just that the team management might’ve felt a change was needed after three Tests. That doesn’t mean we don’t back him,” Kotak said in the post-day press conference.
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Sudharsan scored 61 runs from 151 balls in the first innings. He could not convert his knock into a big score and was dismissed by a short ball bowled by England captain Ben Stokes. In the second innings, as India faced an uphill task with England taking a 311-run lead, Sudharsan fell for a golden duck to Chris Woakes on Day 4.
Kotak was asked whether there is a conundrum for the no.3 position. He feels that Sudharsan and Nair batted well but could not capitalise.
“Sai batted well in the first innings. Yes, he got out early in the second. But I don’t see it as a concern. Even Karun had starts. The key is to convert,” he said.
At the end of Day 4's play, India were 174/2 with KL Rahul and Shubman Gill standing guard at 87 and 78 respectively. India still trail by 137 runs with eight wickets in hand. Kotak is of opinion that the Indian batters have what it takes to adapt to salvage a draw.
“When people talk about batting five sessions, it’s rare. But this group has that quality. It’s about recognising match situations, not formats. Today’s players are capable of doing what’s needed, and that’s what we focus on,” said the 52-year-old.
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