Back in November 2016, the Indian batsman Karun Nair became the first Indian batsman after Virender Sehwag to score a triple century in Test Cricket when India played England in Chennai. Despite that performance, he hasn’t been able to find a permanent position in the Indian team. He last donned the Indian jersey in India’s Test match against Australia in Dharamshala back in March 2017.

However, Nair got back to the Indian team when he was picked for India’s historic Test against Afghanistan at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore, but wasn’t selected in the eleven, an added depression to him. Nevertheless, he was included in India’s squad for the ongoing five-match Test series against England.

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Despite India’s indifferent performances in the batting department, Nair couldn’t find a spot in the playing XI. On the other hand, Hanuma Vihari, who was selected for the final two Test matches at The Ageas Bowl and Kennington Oval, got his maiden cap. Meanwhile, the decision to leave out Karun hasn’t got down well with fans and the pundits including Harbhajan Singh, who is currently serving his stint with the BBC.

During a show on Sky Sports, Harbhajan said, “I am a bit surprised to see Hanuma Vihari play ahead of Karun Nair, who has been a part of the team from the first match itself and didn’t get to play a game. Nair has been on the tour from the beginning, hasn’t got a game, but the new guy comes into the team from the fourth Test and straightaway gets to play,” Harbhajan was quoted as saying on Sky Sports.

Vihari has shown impressive form in the Indian domestic circuit, representing Andhra Pradesh. Moreover, he has done a phenomenal job for India ‘A’ in their recent encounters against South Africa ‘A’, England Lions and Windies ‘A’. India will play their next Test series against the Windies next month and Nair will be desperate to stake his claim in the lineup.