Veteran Spinner Supports Karun Nair
Veteran spinner Harbhajan Singh has publicly expressed his support for Karun Nair, urging the Indian team management to give him a fair chance and an extended opportunity. He highlighted that players like Shubman Gill and KL Rahul were given time to settle into the team, and the same should be extended to Nair.
Karun Nair has struggled in the first three Tests against England, accumulating just 131 runs at an average of under 22. His low scores—0, 20, 31, 26, 40, and 14—have led to growing doubts about his place in the team. Despite this, Harbhajan believes that every player deserves a fair shot, and Nair should be given more time to prove himself.
“Karun hasn’t scored runs yet, but if you give him a chance, you need to stick with him for a while. All players deserve a fair opportunity. Karun deserves it now, just like Shubman Gill and KL Rahul did in the past,” Harbhajan said on his YouTube channel.
A Long Road to Comeback
Nair’s return to the Indian Test team was not easy. He had to wait for eight years before getting another chance. His comeback came after a stellar domestic season in 2024–25. He scored 863 runs in nine Ranji Trophy games for Vidarbha, averaging nearly 54, including a century in the final against Kerala. In the Vijay Hazare Trophy, he was in sensational form, scoring 779 runs in just eight innings with an impressive average of 389.50, including five centuries.
This performance showcased his potential and justified his inclusion in the national team. However, his recent struggles have raised questions about his consistency at the international level.
Criticism of Management Decisions
Harbhajan also voiced his concerns about the team management’s approach to giving opportunities to players. He pointed out that Sai Sudharsan was given only one chance, which he felt was unjustified. On the other hand, Nair has already been given three chances, and Harbhajan believes that the management should continue to back him.
“The criteria should be the same for everyone. If others got multiple chances, then what is wrong with Karun? I feel that giving just one opportunity to Sai Sudharsan was not justified, but now that you have given Karun three chances, you should persist with him,” he added.
The Need for Consistency
Harbhajan’s comments reflect a broader sentiment among fans and former players who believe that patience and consistency are key when evaluating a player’s performance. He emphasized that no player can be expected to perform perfectly from the start, and that giving them time to adapt and improve is crucial.
His support for Karun Nair highlights the importance of trust and belief in a player’s ability, even during challenging periods. It also underscores the need for a balanced approach in team selection, where opportunities are given fairly and consistently to all players.
In conclusion, Harbhajan Singh’s advocacy for Karun Nair serves as a reminder that cricket is not just about immediate results but also about nurturing talent and providing players with the necessary time to grow and succeed.
