Veteran Anil Kumble has emphasized the fact that Karun Nair could replace Virat Kohli’s batting position in the Test format. With Virat Kohli’s retirement, India faces a crucial decision in filling the No. 4 spot, which has historically been occupied by legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Kohli. Kumble believes Nair’s experience in county cricket and his stellar domestic form make him a strong contender.
Nair had an exceptional 2024-25 domestic season, scoring 779 runs in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and 863 runs in the Ranji Trophy, including multiple centuries. Kumble emphasized that selecting players based on domestic performance would encourage young cricketers to focus on first-class cricket.
Karun Nair is ideal candidate: Anil Kumble
“I don’t think anybody thought through who’s gonna bat at No.4. Rohit (Sharma) in Australia didn’t play the first Test, so there was a change in the batting order. Once (KL) Rahul did well, Rohit dropped down the order and then he dropped himself from the XI in that last Test. So you sort of know who is the backup opener for India, but I don’t think anyone thought through No.4,” Kumble told ESPNCricinfo.
“Karun deserves to come back into the Indian team with the kind of domestic run he has had. So perhaps he could be the No.4 for India because I feel, you need a bit of experience. You ned someone in England who has been there and done that. He has played County cricket, so he knows the conditions. Karun may be on the other side of 30, but he is still young,” Kumble told.
India’s No. 4 spot remains a topic of debate, with other contenders like Shubman Gill and KL Rahul also in the mix. The final decision will be crucial for India’s batting stability in England.
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