Harbhajan Backs Karun Nair Amid Test Team Scrutiny
Veteran Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh has spoken out in defense of Karun Nair, urging the Indian team management to offer him a longer run in the Test side. Karun has struggled in the ongoing Test series against England, scoring only 131 runs across six innings with an average under 22. As criticism mounts over his performance, Harbhajan emphasized that every player deserves a fair and equal opportunity, just as Shubman Gill and KL Rahul have received over time.
Karun Nair, who returned to the Indian squad after eight long years, earned his spot following a brilliant 2024–25 domestic season. He was the top performer for Vidarbha in the Ranji Trophy, amassing 863 runs at an average of nearly 54. He also made a huge mark in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he scored 779 runs in just eight innings, averaging 389.50 with five centuries.
‘Give Him the Same Backing Others Got’
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Harbhajan questioned why Karun shouldn’t receive the same patience extended to players like Gill and Rahul. “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,” he said.
Harbhajan also criticized the decision to drop Sai Sudharsan after just one opportunity. He stated that if others were given five or six chances to prove themselves, the same should apply to Nair. “So, the criteria should be the same for everyone. If others got five or six chances, then what crime has Karun committed?” he asked.
With India facing crucial matches ahead, Harbhajan’s comments highlight the need for consistency and fairness in selection policies. Whether the selectors stick with Nair remains to be seen, but the call for equal opportunity is now louder than ever.
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