Head coach Gautam Gambhir has hinted at Karun Nair’s return to Test cricket during the upcoming tour of England. Gambhir also said that the veteran Karnataka batter would be given an extended run when he gets his opportunity, adding that his experience and form in English conditions will be important for the team.

“It’s great for domestic cricket. It’s great for the future of domestic cricket. All the youngsters who are playing domestic will understand its importance: ‘if you keep doing well in domestic cricket, doors are never shut’,” Gambhir said at the press conference ahead of the Indian team’s departure to England

Nair, who travelled to England last month, started his tour with a double hundred for India A in the first of two unofficial Tests against the England Lions in Canterbury as well.

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“It’s good to have the experience of Karun, who has played a bit of County cricket. He has scored runs there and hit a double hundred for India A. It’s always good to have players who are in good form on these kinds of tours. His experience will definitely come in handy, and hopefully he can deliver. More importantly, we will not judge someone by one or two Tests. You guys can. We won’t. I think if someone has scored heaps of runs, he will be given a good run at this level as well so that he can showcase his talent here,” Gambhir added.

However, Gautam Gambhir also indicated that Shreyas Iyer, who has been left out of the squad for now, may be called up during the series as well. Iyer has been in good form recently, and he scored 604 runs in 17 matches at an average of over 50.

“Look, anyone can be called. Anyone can be called if they are in good form. We could only pick 18, and the chairman-selector has already answered that question. For me, I think it’s always about being open to people who are in good form and who can come and deliver,” Gautam Gambhir concluded.