India vs England: Gautam Gambhir Backs Karun Nair for Test Comeback with Massive Playing XI Hint
In a thrilling build-up to the much-awaited India vs England Test series, head coach Gautam Gambhir has set the stage alight with a significant hint about the potential playing XI. Speaking at a press conference in New Delhi on Thursday, Gambhir threw his weight behind seasoned batter Karun Nair, signaling a possible return for the 32-year-old in English conditions.
Gambhir, known for his candid approach, emphasized the importance of valuing consistent performers. “When someone has scored heaps of runs, we won’t judge them by just one or two Tests. If a player has a proven track record, we must give them opportunities,” he stated alongside Test captain Shubman Gill. He further added, “Karun Nair’s experience and form will be invaluable in England, where conditions can be challenging for even the best batters.”
Nair’s journey in Test cricket has been nothing short of a rollercoaster. His unforgettable 303 not out against England in Chennai back in 2016 remains one of the most iconic knocks by an Indian batter. However, his career hit a rough patch soon after, with a disappointing series against Australia in 2017 and a snub during the 2018 England tour. Dropped from the squad, Nair seemed to fade from the selectors’ radar, but his grit and determination never wavered.
The Karnataka-born batter scripted an inspiring comeback through sheer hard work. A stellar 2023 stint in county cricket with Northamptonshire, where he averaged over 50 in the County Championship, reminded everyone of his calibre. Back home, Nair dominated the 2024-25 domestic season, amassing 863 runs in the Ranji Trophy at a staggering average of 78.45. His recent double century for India A against England Lions was the final stamp of authority, proving he’s not just knocking on the door but breaking it down.
Now, with Gambhir’s public endorsement, Nair’s inclusion in the playing XI for the first Test at Headingley on June 20 feels like a strong possibility. Mentally tougher, technically sharper, and hungry for redemption, Nair could be the X-factor India needs to tackle England’s pace-heavy attack in overcast conditions.
India’s squad for the series boasts a mix of youth and experience, led by captain Shubman Gill and vice-captain Rishabh Pant. The pace attack, spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah and supported by the likes of Mohammed Siraj and Arshdeep Singh, looks lethal. Meanwhile, England, under Ben Stokes, will rely on seasoned campaigners like Joe Root and Chris Woakes, alongside emerging talents such as Harry Brook.
Below are the squads for both teams and the full schedule for the five-match Test series:
India Squad:
Shubman Gill (C), Rishabh Pant (VC & WK), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Karun Nair, Nitish Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav
England Squad:
Ben Stokes (C), Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Sam Cook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Josh Tongue, Chris Woakes
Test Series Schedule:
1st Test: Headingley, Leeds – June 20-24
2nd Test: Lord’s, London – June 28-July 2
3rd Test: Edgbaston, Birmingham – July 6-10
4th Test: Old Trafford, Manchester – July 14-18
5th Test: The Oval, London – July 22-26
As the series looms, all eyes will be on whether Karun Nair can seize this opportunity to cement his place in the Indian Test side once again. With Gambhir’s backing and Nair’s form, this could be the start of a remarkable second chapter in his international career. Stay tuned for more updates as India gears up to face England in what promises to be a blockbuster clash of cricketing titans!