Former Indian skipper Anil Kumble has come up with a suggestion on Virat Kohli's immediate replacement at number four. Kohli retired from Test cricket on May 12, leaving a gaping hole at India's number 4 slot in Test cricket.
There have been various theories that have been associated lately with Kohli's retirement. However, nothing conclusive can be drawn from those arguments.
Kohli's Test retirement is a harsh truth that the BCCI now needs to accept as it looks forward to naming the Test squad for the five-match series against England.
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India will be without Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the England Test series, and Anil Kumble thinks Karun Nair can replace Kohli at that number 4 position. Kumble feels that the Indian batting lineup is pretty inexperienced without Rohit and Kohli, and Nair, with his experience, can add value to the lineup.
“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 added further.
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Nair Scored 779 Runs in VHT, 863 Runs In Ranji Trophy 2024
Nair finished with 779 runs from nine innings in the recently concluded Vijay Hazare Trophy in the 2024 season. He then scored 863 runs in nine matches with four tons in the Ranji Trophy 2024, playing a major role in Vidarbha winning the title.
“If he gets an opportunity, there will be a lot more hope for youngsters to play first-class cricket. If the sheer performance in domestic cricket doesn’t get recognized, it becomes a bit of a challenge,” Kumble added.
Nair last played a Test match for India in 2017, and he is the second Indian after Virender Sehwag to score a triple century in Test cricket.
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