IND vs ENG: “If Gill and Rahul Got Chances, Why Not Karun Nair?” Harbhajan Singh Backs Out-of-Favour Batter, Urges Patience with Gambhir
Harbhajan Singh urges India to back Karun Nair and supports Gautam Gambhir amid criticism during England tour.
Karun Nair’s return to international cricket after eight years hasn’t gone as hoped. The middle-order batter has scored 131 runs in six innings in the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, averaging 21.83. His best effort so far has been 40 runs in the first innings at Lord’s.
Despite getting decent starts, Karun has struggled to convert them into big scores. This has led to growing frustration among fans, many of whom were excited about his comeback.
“Persist with Karun if You’ve Picked Him” – Harbhajan
Former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has stepped in to support Karun, urging the team management to show patience.
“Yes, Karun has not scored runs, but if you gave him a chance, then persist with him for a while. All players deserve a fair chance. Karun deserves it now, and the likes of Shubman Gill and KL Rahul deserved it in the past,” Harbhajan said on his YouTube channel.
He pointed out the inconsistency in selection and questioned why young Sai Sudharsan was dropped after just one Test.
“If others got five or six chances, then what crime has Karun committed? I feel that giving just one opportunity to Sai Sudharsan was not justified. But now that you have persisted with Karun till now, then play him here as well,” he added.
Support for Gambhir in Transition Phase
Harbhajan also spoke in support of head coach Gautam Gambhir, who has been facing questions after India’s series deficit.
“Gautam is doing very well as a coach, and he has been a very good player for Team India. This is his first big tour after Australia. It takes time for anyone to get into the role, and the team is also changing,” Harbhajan said.
He made it clear that Gambhir should not be blamed for India’s performance so far.
“If we say that the results have been like these after Gautam’s arrival, then it’s not right. Gautam is not the one to be blamed. He himself doesn’t play,” he said.
Harbhajan also ruled out the possibility of becoming a head coach but said he’d be open to mentoring.
“I cannot do coaching, but I can be a mentor who talks to the team, gives pep talks, and thinks about how to take the team forward. If I can contribute even a little bit, then I am always available.”
