Karun Nair Eyes to Utilise this Opportunity to Cement his Place

Indian Cricket team batsman Karun Nair has firmly set his focus on his comeback Test against Afghanistan rather than the following India A tour of the United Kingdom.

Meanwhile, the historic one-off Tets match series starts from June 14 at Bengaluru. It will be Afghanistan’s first Test since earning the Test status in June, last year.

However, Nair will look to utilise the opportunity to seal a berth in the absence of regular skipper Virat Kohli. The young batsman whenever faces the media, one question that comes up is about the knock of 303 against England. Nair believes the innings is firmly in the past.

“It’s time we all moved on and looked ahead,” he said on Monday. “I am ready to get bigger scores… Not bigger scores, if I can get it again, it’ll be good but you’re not thinking of that, you’re just looking to perform for the team and win games for them,” he added.

Since then, he has struggled to get even close to that performance. His poor stint during the Australia series saw him fall off the radar of the Indian team. Thus, the Test against Afghanistan offers Karun a Test career lifeline. With BCCI yet to name the Test squad for the England series, this match followed by the four-day games in England, where the Bengaluru batsman will captain India ‘A’, will be crucial for his future.

“I’m really excited to be given another opportunity. It has been a while now. I have worked very hard over the last one-and-a-half years. I know that I have become better,” Karun admitted.

Nair slams Asghar’s claims

In the lead-up to Afghanistan’s historic Test, their captain, Asghar Stanikzai, had thrown down the gauntlet.

“We have good spinners, better spinners than India,” he had said.

However, Karun brushed aside the claim, pointing out that Afghanistan’s inexperience could work against them.

“That was a big statement to make, considering Afghanistan haven’t played Test cricket. All our spinners are proven wicket-takers in Test cricket, so there is nothing much to say there,” he stressed.

In conclusion, Karun admitted that he has improved over the years and is eyeing a big score in the upcoming game.

Also read: Ishan Kishan replaces Sanju Samson in India A Squad