Former India cricketer Suresh Raina has backed Sai Sudharsan to replace Karun Nair in the Team India playing XI for the upcoming fourth Test against England. Team India are currently trailing 1-2 in the five-match Test series.
Making a comeback into the Test team after an eight-year gap, Karun batted at No. 6 in India’s batting order, with debutant Sudharsan given the No. 3 spot in the first Test as well. However, Sudharsan was dropped after scoring 0 and 30. Karun, who finished with scores of 0 and 20, was promoted to the No. 3 but couldn’t do well.

Speaking in an interview with Sports Tak, he said, “I think India should go with the same team. However, Sai Sudharsan can be an option because he has done really well. You gave Karun Nair a chance, and he played knocks of 30-35. He is playing well, but just give a chance to Sai Sudharsan. You will have another left-handed batter in the side. He plays the sweep and the reverse sweep quite well. I feel Karun Nair is stuck somewhere.”

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Former India wicketkeeper-batter Farokh Engineer also said that scoring 30-odd runs is a sub-par performance for a No. 3 batter in Test cricket.

He told TimesofIndia.com: “Karun Nair has been getting brilliant 20s and 30s. He’s (Nair) scored beautiful 30 runs, beautiful cover drives and all that. But a beautiful 30 is not expected from a No. 3. You’ve got to get a not-so-beautiful 100. You need runs on the board. You need (to score) bigger. The expectation should be much higher. We should pick the best XI. I haven’t seen much of Sai Sudharsan. You’ve got to pick the best player for the time being. Who’s going to give you maximum? You are playing for your country. Your reputation is at stake. So, I would say, forget the age. If he’s good, play him to win this Test match.”