'Silence of not being...': Karun Nair writes cryptic message
What's the story
Karun Nair, the Indian batter who recently returned to Test cricket before being dropped, continues his bid for another comeback. As Indian batters struggled for the second successive Test against South Africa, this time in Guwahati, Nair took to X and shared his feelings. "Some conditions carry a feel you know by heart - and the silence of not being out there adds its own sting," he posted on his X handle.
Snub
Nair gets dropped after Test return
Nair returned to Tests for the England tour earlier this year after a long gap of nearly seven years. He played four matches but only managed one half-century, which came during the final Test at The Oval. Despite getting starts and looking solid at the crease, he struggled to convert those into big scores that could have secured his spot in the team. Thereafter, the selectors dropped him for the following Test series against West Indies at home.
Domestic form
Nair ignored despite fine form
Despite his exclusion from the Test side, Nair has fared well in the Ranji Trophy. The Karnataka batsman has scored over 600 runs at an average of over 100 in five matches. However, he was still overlooked for selection in India's Test squad for the two-match home series against South Africa. Washington Sundar was preferred over him at No.3 during the Kolkata Test, while Sai Sudharsan got a chance in Guwahati.
Selector's statement
BCCI chief selector comments on Nair's exclusion
Ajit Agarkar, the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) chief selector, had said earlier that they expected more from Nair. He said, "Frankly, we expected a little bit more from Karun. He played four Tests, and you spoke about one innings. That's the way it is. We feel Padikkal offers a little bit more at this point."
Player's reaction
Nair's response to exclusion from West Indies series
After being dropped, Nair had said he "deserved better." He said, "Obviously, it is quite disappointing. After the last two years I've had, I think I deserve a lot better. More than a series." He also revealed that certain individuals in the Indian team had good conversations with him about how they felt about his performance and exclusion from the squad.
Team challenges
India's batting struggles amid injuries
India's batting unit has been struggling, especially after Shubman Gill was ruled out due to a neck injury sustained during the 1st Test against South Africa. This has led to players like Sudharsan and Dhruv Jurel struggling to capitalize on their opportunities. Nair's exclusion from the squad despite his domestic performance has raised questions about India's selection strategy for this series.
Notable stats
When Nair starred for India in Chennai
In the first innings in Guwahati, South Africa scored a mammoth 489 against India. According to Cricbuzz, India last won a Test after allowing the opposition to post 400-plus in the first innings in the 2016 Chennai Test against England. After England put up 477, India hit back with a massive 759/7d, powered by Karun Nair's historic 303*. India eventually sealed the match by an innings and 75 runs.