For the last decade, Virat Kohli has been a mainstay for India at No. 4 in Test cricket. However, with his recent announcement to step back from the format, the Indian team management faces the challenge of finding a suitable replacement ahead of the upcoming five-match Test series against England. The Indian squad is scheduled to travel to England in June, commencing the series in Leeds.
Both KL Rahul and Shubman Gill are seen as the primary contenders for this crucial spot. Nevertheless, former Indian cricketer Anil Kumble has suggested that Karun Nair could be a strong candidate. Now a respected cricket analyst, Kumble believes Nair possesses the necessary skills to excel in this role. “I don’t think anybody thought through who’s going to bat at No. 4. Rohit in Australia didn’t play the first Test, resulting in changes within the batting order. Once Rahul performed well, Rohit moved down, and then he excluded himself from the XI in the last Test. So, while we know who the backup opener is, No. 4 seems overlooked,” Kumble told ESPNCricinfo.
He added, “Karun deserves to return to the Indian team due to his impressive domestic performance. He could be the No. 4 because we need someone with experience in England, someone who has been there and done that. Karun has played county cricket and knows the conditions well. Although he may be over 30, he is still relatively young. If given an opportunity, it could inspire younger players to pursue first-class cricket. If we fail to recognize domestic achievements, it becomes a hardship.”
Nair, who is one of only two Indian players to score a triple century in Test cricket, has been in exceptional form representing Vidarbha in domestic competitions. This has set the stage for a potential return to the Test squad after nearly eight years. His last Test appearance was against Australia in Dharamsala in 2017, and he hasn’t been called up since the 2018 tour in England. However, he is expected to be named in the India A squad for the forthcoming series against the England Lions, which includes two four-day matches in May-June. Strong performances in these games could pave the way for Nair’s return to international cricket.
Original Source: https://www.india.com/sports/anil-kumble-picks-this-player-to-fill-virat-kohlis-no-4-spot-in-test-cricket-its-not-shreyas-iyer-shubman-gill-or-kl-rahul-karun-nair-7821522/
Category: Cricket,Sports,Anil Kumble,KL Rahul,Shreyas Iyer,Shubman Gill,Virat Kohli
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Publish Date: 2025-05-15 08:00:00
