Karun Nair is reportedly facing the axe from India’s Test squad after a disappointing showing on the England tour.
The selection for India’s home Test series against the West Indies is expected to be announced on September 24, and a few changes are likely. Nair, who made a comeback to the national team during the England tour, struggled to deliver the performances the management was looking for. With Rishabh Pant sidelined due to injury, Dhruv Jurel is expected to take the No. 1 spot behind the stumps, while Narayan Jagadeesan could be added as backup.
During the England series, Nair scored 205 runs in eight innings at an average of 25.6, crossing fifty only once. According to Cricbuzz, this could result in him missing out on the upcoming two-match series, with Devdutt Padikkal likely to be preferred for the middle-order slot.
Despite India drawing the five-match series 2-2, both teams’ batters racked up massive totals, contributing over 7,000 runs combined and 21 centuries. In contrast to Nair, Padikkal has been in impressive form, scoring 150 against Australia A in Lucknow recently, while Nair has not played competitive cricket since returning from England.