India may have drawn level in the five-Test series against England with a historic win at Edgbaston, but questions over their team selection persist. Among the loudest voices of critique is that of former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar, who has taken exception to India’s decision to bench young Sai Sudharsan in favour of Karun Nair, calling the veteran a “misfit” at No. 3.
The third Test at Lord’s, starting July 10, is expected to see no major changes apart from Jasprit Bumrah’s return. However, despite back-to-back middling performances from Karun Nair, the team management, led by head coach Gautam Gambhir, is set to persist with the 33-year-old. However, this is not something that Manjrekar wants.
“Chop and change depending on the vibe”
Manjrekar, speaking on ESPNcricinfo, said he didn’t agree with the selection pattern despite the convincing 336-run win at Edgbaston. He pointed to the early exclusion of Sudharsan as a baffling decision.
“There were some very interesting selections made in the last game, which I didn’t agree with. In the end, a win can put a cover on those decisions. I thought Sai Sudharsan, after just one match, to be left out considering he is a young player that we are looking at for the future… He played pretty okay in the second innings. I’d like to stick with him but this team management is not afraid to chop and change depending on the vibe.”
Sai Sudharsan made 30 in the second innings at Leeds after a duck in the first on debut. Yet, he was replaced by Karun Nair, who has returned scores of 0, 20, 31 and 26 since being pushed to No. 3, a position Manjrekar believes does not suit him.
“But I would like to see Sai Sudharsan at number three. Karun Nair is not a number-three player in my book. It is unfair to drop him [Sudharsan] after one Test if everyone else is getting big hundreds. I think Sai deserves that opportunity as well.”
While praising India’s collective dominance with the bat, Manjrekar warned against complacency heading into the Lord’s Test.
“Chop & change at vibes”: Manjrekar wants Sai Sudharsan over ‘misfit’ Karun Nair at No. 3 at Lord’s Inside Sport India.
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