Deep Dasgupta Backs Sai Sudharsan Over Karun Nair for Remaining Tests Against England
Mumbai – As India prepares for the crucial fourth Test against England, JioHotstar expert and former cricketer Deep Dasgupta has weighed in on potential changes to the playing XI, strongly advocating for the inclusion of young talent Sai Sudharsan over the experienced Karun Nair. With India currently trailing the five-match series 2-1, Dasgupta believes a strategic investment in a younger player is essential for the team’s future.
“In the Playing XI, you don’t want more than one change. If there is only one, it would be replacing Karun Nair with Sai Sudharsan,” Dasgupta asserted. His reasoning stems from Nair’s recent performances in the series, where despite getting starts, he has failed to convert them into substantial scores. “Because Karun Nair hasn’t made any runs. He’s got starts, but hasn’t converted them into big scores. I also believe he doesn’t look that comfortable at the crease either.”
Dasgupta emphasized the long-term perspective, highlighting Sudharsan’s potential. “And secondly, Sai Sudharsan is a young player. If you want to invest in this England series, you’d rather invest in a younger player.” He reiterated his point about Nair’s struggles: “Karun Nair has got starts in both Test matches, but he hasn’t looked that convincing.”
For Dasgupta, the remaining two Tests present a valuable opportunity to blood new talent. “So if you’re looking to build ahead, you might as well invest in someone like Sai Sudharsan. Because after this, I don’t know when you’ll come back to a series in England. So when you have two Tests left, invest in Sai Sudharsan.”
Karun Nair made his comeback to the Test team after an eight-year gap for this series, but has managed only 131 runs in three games. Sai Sudharsan, who made his Test debut in the first Test at Leeds, scoring 0 and 30, was subsequently benched. With the fourth Test beginning on July 23 at Old Trafford, Manchester, and the final Test from July 31 at The Oval in London, the team management faces a critical decision in their quest to level or win the series. Dasgupta’s strong recommendation underscores the growing call to prioritize future investments in Indian cricket, particularly with the series at a pivotal juncture.
