Karun Nair set for national recall; to be picked for India A series against England: Reports

Indian batter Karun Nair’s long wait for international recall is finally set to end. Reports carried by Cricbuzz suggest that Karun is set to be included in the India A side for the tour of England starting on 30th May. India A will first play the England Lions in a four-day game followed by yet another four-day encounter against Team India. 

The reports from Cricbuzz also suggested that Bengal batter Abhimanyu Eeswaran is the prime candidate to lead the India A side in these two games. Karun Nair last played a Test match for India in 2017 against Australia in Dharamshala. The right-handed batter was then dropped from the team. 

Karun Nair then moved bases to Vidarbha from Karnataka and began to find a new lease of life. In the past season, Nair scored over 800 runs in Ranji Trophy cricket with four centuries that ultimately helped Vidarbha win the Ranji title. Nair also scored 779 runs in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and was dismissed just twice. 

Chief selector Ajit Agarkar had mentioned that Nair will get his due chances during a press conference earlier this year. Apart from his vast domestic experience, Nair also has played domestic cricket in England, which could come in handy. During his stint with Northamptonneshire, Nair scored 487 runs, which also included an unbeaten double ton. 

Shardul Thakur on the verge of international recall

All-rounder Shardul Thakur’s resurgence is set to continue as the 33-year-old is set to be included in the senior team for the England tour. Cricbuzz reported that the selectors will draft Thakur into the senior squad rather than the India A team. Thakur was a key member for India in their last tour of England and scored two fifties in the Oval Test. 

Meanwhile, Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan’s return to the Test side is under massive doubt. Iyer, who is the captain of Punjab Kings, could get a chance if Virat Kohli decides to hang up his boots. Cricbuzz also reported that players like Tanush Kotian, Akash Deep, Baba Indrajith, Dhruv Jurel, and Nitish Reddy are also set to be part of the India A. 

Pacer Mukesh Kumar too will be monitored closely as the team values his ability to swing the ball highly. Kumar’s inclusion in the side depends on his performances for Delhi Capitals in the final few games of the season.