Published: Oct 01, 2018, 04:15 PM (IST)
Edited: Oct 01, 2018, 04:15 PM (IST)
In Indian cricketing circles today, Karun Nair’s omission from the Test squad that will face West Indies in a two-match Test series with the first beginning on October 4, has become the talk of the town. Nair, who led the Board President’s XI for a two-day warm-up match against the touring West Indies side at Vadodara, was dropped without getting a game in England.
Chairman of selectors MSK Prasad has explained to Nair reasons that led to his axe from the series. “I personally spoke to Karun soon after the selection of the Test Team against the West Indies and told him ways to make a comeback. The selection committee is very clear with regard to the communication process,” Prasad told PTI on Monday.
Nair, who has a triple century to his name, was already part of the squad for the England series, but Hanuma Vihari, who was added to the squad for the last two Tests along with Prithvi Shaw, somehow was higher in the pecking order.
According to reports, Nair said that neither the team management nor the selectors have communicated with him. Prasad said Nair was intimated about the decision. “Communication has always been the strong point of this committee. It’s really tough to inform any unpleasant news to any player. You need to have valid reasons to explain them about their exclusion though they may not agree with it,” Prasad added.
The former India stumper also revealed that Devang Gandhi, a member of the selection committee, has spoken to Nair in England when he was not being picked.
“My colleague Devang Gandhi spoke to Karun Nair at length in England to keep him motivated and wait for his opportunities,” Prasad said.
Quizzed what could Nair do to ensure a spot in the playing XI, Prasad said: “He will have to keep on piling runs in Ranji Trophy and whatever India A series is there.”
