Former India player turned veteran commentator Aakash Chopra has applauded Karun Nair for making the most of an unlikely opportunity in the fifth Test against England as well. He also said that Nair wouldn’t have been part of Team India’s playing XI had Rishabh Pant not gotten injured as well. However, Nair scored an unbeaten 52 off 98 deliveries as India ended Day 1. Washington Sundar (19* off 45) was the other unbeaten batter at Stumps as well.

In a video shared on his YouTube channel, ‘Aakash Chopra,’ he said, “Karun Nair scored a half-century after 3100 days. India have also scored runs, although they haven’t scored too many. Of course, they are not ahead in the game, but are not behind as well, is what I am thinking. You can probably say that Washington Sundar is the world’s best No. 8.”

“When Karun Nair scored a triple century, he did it against this team only. Then he remained out of the team, which was slightly unfair as well. Then he scored a lot of runs. Life and cricket gave him a second chance, but it seemed like he had spilled that chance. If Rishabh Pant hadn’t gotten injured, he wouldn’t have gotten a chance. However, Rishabh Pant got injured, suddenly an opportunity opened up, you wanted to play an extra batter, here he comes, and he scores his fifty. This has become the second-highest score of his Test career, and we wish him well,” he again shared.

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However, Aakash Chopra also shared that India don’t have much batting left after Karun Nair and Washington Sundar. However, he added that the pitch is unlikely to become placid soon as well.

“Karun Nair is not out, and Washington Sundar is there with him. Of course, not much is left after that because you have three fast bowlers. You are not expecting too much from them. The second new ball is 16 overs away, but I do feel batting won’t become that easy at the moment unless the sun comes out and the rain stops suddenly,” he said.

“If you reach close to 250 in the first innings, you will have to stop the opposing team early because, as the game progresses, the intrinsic nature of the pitch will come to the fore, which is a flat surface. You can actually fill your boots when you bat in the second innings. England might miss spin in their attack then,” Aakash Chopra concluded.