Karun Nair’s axing confirmed as Ryan ten Doeschate drops selection bombshell for Manchester Test

India National Cricket Team assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate has finally addressed the burning question surrounding Karun Nair ahead of the must-win fourth Test match in Manchester, starting on July 23. The assistant coach hinted at dropping Karun Nair for the fourth Test after his series of poor performances in the ongoing five-match Test series in England.

Nair, who pleaded for “one more chance” back in December 2022, was finally granted that opportunity after his stellar performances in domestic cricket. He began his England tour with a stunning double century for India A that hinted that he could have a blockbuster comeback.

Ryan ten Doeschate opens up on Karun Nair’s future before the Manchester Test

But once he sported the Indian jersey again, the Vidarbha batter has not only disappointed the team and fans but also himself with his dismal performances in the first three tests of the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy in England.

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The right-handed batter amassed only 131 runs in six innings against England, averaging below 22, and that was not something the selectors and the team were hoping for from the senior batter. With India now 1-2 down in the five-match Test series after Lord’s defeat, Nair’s spot in India’s XI is under serious threat, and now Ryan ten Doeschate has also acknowledged the same.

Ahead of the fourth Test at Old Trafford, fans and cricket experts are demanding to bring back Sai Sudharsan. The left-handed batter was dropped for tactical reasons, but his technique and temperament deserve to give him another chance, especially with India’s middle-order struggle.

That might be counter-intuitive when you're 2-1 down: Ryan ten Doeschate on Karun Nair's place in XI

Ryan said that tough calls are on the cards and the selection in the playing XI will be based on the current form, hinting that Karun Nair's India return probably came to an unfortunate end. He pointed out that the sudden batting collapses at Lord’s and Headingley are the real reason behind the defeats.

Ryan ten Doeschate told reporters, as quoted by the Hindustan Times: “That might be counter-intuitive when you're 2-1 down in the series. But we feel like the guys have been excellent for large parts of the series. The repetition of losing lots of wickets in a very short space of time has obviously been the key feature of the two losses.”

He further explained, “Probably both times in Headingley and obviously overnight and first thing in the morning at Lord's, we feel what cost us the game was losing six wickets for 40 again. But if you look at it individually, if you look at the run tally of all the batters, they're all batting nicely.”

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Ryan ten Doeschate defends struggling batters

However, India’s assistant coach Ryan said that the team isn’t looking at major changes despite the setbacks, as they focus on the positives and fix the small mistakes. He also felt Karun Nair is looking good, but they are expecting more runs from him and the top order against England.

Ryan signed off by saying, “Even someone like Karun, we feel his rhythm is good, his tempo is good. We want more runs from the three. But the message is mainly, let's really focus on what we've done well and tidy up the little things that have cost us results, essentially.”