Aakash Chopra says Karun Nair might return to India’s playing XI for Oval Test against England

Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra believes Karun Nair could return to India’s playing XI for the fifth Test match against England. Nair was dropped for the fourth Test after he could not deliver consistently in the first three Test matches.

The right-hander had managed only 131 runs in three Test matches at an average of 21.83. Chopra reckons India would need another batter in their final XI and feels Nair could replace Shardul Thakur. Thakur had bowled only 11 overs at Manchester and scored 41 runs.

On the other hand, Sai Sudharsan returned with scores of 61 and 0 in the fourth Test and Chopra believes the left-hander would continue to bat at number three. 

“I don’t see anyone else other than Sai Sudharsan at No. 3 for the time being. He scored a half-century in the first innings as well. I want one more batter to play, because if Shardul Thakur doesn’t play, then you obviously would want another batter,” Chopra said on his YouTube Channel.

“Who can be that batter? To be fair, it can be Karun Nair only because you are not going to play Abhimanyu Easwaran at No. 6. Since Rishabh Pant is not there now and Dhruv Jurel is there, you definitely need one more batter. So you might see Karun Nair playing again,” he added.

The renowned commentator reckons Arshdeep Singh could make his Test debut against England. Chopra reckons Mohammed Siraj should be rested as he has already bowled 139 overs in the series.

“Arshdeep Singh might make his debut. Bumrah’s availability is not known. The coach said all bowlers are available, but there is a possibility that Bumrah might not play, or else Bumrah plays and Siraj doesn’t. No one talks about Siraj’s workload. Maybe it is time for us to give him a break,” he said.

Chopra questioned if India would be able to accommodate Kuldeep Yadav, as they can not drop Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar.

“It’s also been heard that Akash Deep can return. He is looking fit and available. I don’t see Shardul Thakur playing. There is a very strong case for Kuldeep Yadav. However, can you play three spinners? If you are not going to play three, can you drop either Jaddu or Sundar? I don’t think you can actually touch Sundar and Jadeja right now,” Chopra elaborated.

The fifth and final Test match between England and India will be played at the Kennington Oval, London, from 31st July onwards.