‘Where should they fit him?’ – Sunil Gavaskar reveals reason behind Karun Nair’s exclusion from ODI squad

Former India batter Sunil Gavaskar has revealed the reason why Karun Nair wasn’t included in the ODI squad. The 33-year-old scored 779 runs during the recent Vijay Hazare Trophy with an average of 389.5 for Vidarbha. During his chat on Sports Tak, 75-year-old Sunil Gavaskar had reasoned that the team already had a settled look. 

Mr. Gavaskar said “Where should they fit him? You could have taken the spot of KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer. KL will perform the role of second wicketkeeper-batter for this team and his performance during 2023 World Cup was good. I don't think Indian cricket team has played much ODI cricket after that. Shreyas Iyer has also performed well in the format. That is why Karun Nair has not been picked”

Speaking to the media, Ajit Agarkar had explained the reason behind the snub and said “At the moment, finding a spot in the squad in this team is really difficult. Look at the guys who have been picked. All average well in excess of mid-40s. Unfortunately, you can't fit everyone in a squad of 15. But those performances certainly make you take notice. If there is a loss of form or injuries, there's certainly going to be a conversation around him”

Sunil Gavaskar urges Karun Nair to keep batting form going 

Gavaskar though has implored Karun Nair not to lose heart and keep up the run-scoring form. The 33-year-old is only the second India batter after Virender Sehwag to score a Test triple ton. “If his form during the Ranji Trophy remains the same, then it will be hard for Team India to not pick him during the upcoming Test tour of England,"

The veteran batter will turn out for Vidarbha when the Ranji Trophy resumes on 23rd January. Massive names are set to take part with Rohit Sharma also confirming his availability to play against Jammu and Kashmir. The likes of Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja are also expected to take part while Virat Kohli will be missing in action due to fitness issues. 

Speaking about Rohit Sharma, Gavaskar while speaking to Indian Today said “Yes, it's a good thing because, look, he didn't get runs in Australia, so he knows he needs to spend time out in the middle. How much net practice you have or however many throwdowns you face, batting in a game, feeling the ball in the middle of the bat, knowing that a mistake will send you back to the pavilion, and then still scoring runs is a big, big difference”