‘Comebacks are never easy…’ - Gautam Gambhir gives special message for Karun Nair ahead of England Test series

Indian cricket coach Gautam Gambhir is set for a massive challenge when the Shubman Gill-led side takes on England in a five-match Test series. Veteran batter Karun Nair is making his return to the national side after more than seven years. The 33-year-old last played for India in the Dharamshala Test against Australia, which was played in 2017. 

BCCI put out a video where Gambhir was heard saying, “Guys, lastly, comebacks are never easy. Someone who made a comeback after 7 years. Had a phenomenal last year, the amount of runs you scored. Most importantly,'that never-die attitude', that never giving up attitude, got you in the team. That is something which is inspiring for this entire group.”

Shubman Gill, who became the new Test captain, was congratulated by Gambhir, who said, “I want to congratulate Shubman as well. There is no bigger honour in the country than to lead your Test team. Congratulations. Rishabh as well, who is part of the leadership group now. Well done.”

When speaking about Arshdeep Singh, who got his first Test call-up, Gambhir said, “First Test calls are always very special, so I want to welcome Sai (Sudharsan), who had a fabulous last three months. Make sure you have a very, very successful red-ball career. I want to welcome Arshdeep (Singh); you've been phenomenal with white-ball cricket. I am sure, with a red-ball in your hand, you will make it count."

Former India coach suggests ideal number three batter for upcoming Test series. 

Sanjay Bangar has said that either Sai Sudharsan or Abhimanyu Easwaran is the likely best number three batter in the coming series. Gill is set to bat at number four while KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal are set to open the batting. 

The former India coach speaking to India Today said, “I think none of them in my book (Gill or Karun at No. 3?). If at all Karun is playing, he would bat slightly lower down the order. All indications are that Shubman Gill may bat at No. 4. So the toss-up at No. 3 is going to be between Sai Sudharsan and Abhimanyu Easwaran. Easwaran also got a good score in one of the practice matches they played.”

The former India coach also said, “I don’t think there is going to be any difference there. One of those two will play at No. 3. No. 4 will be Shubman Gill and No. 5 will be Rishabh Pant and No. 6 would be Karun Nair. "That’s my understanding of the situation."