IND vs ENG: Karun Nair at No. 3? Sanjay Manjrekar backs Sai Sudharsan

Team India’s selection strategy has once again sparked debates after right-handed batter Karun Nair failed to leave a strong impression in the first two Test matches against England. With the third Test at Lord’s just around the corner, there are already talks about possible changes to the batting order — and Karun Nair is at the centre of it.

Cricket expert and former India player Sanjay Manjrekar has voiced his concerns about the decision to bench young batter Sai Sudharsan after just one Test. According to him, Sai deserved a longer run, especially considering his decent performance in the second innings of his debut. “He is a young player we should invest in. I found the decision to leave him out surprising,” Manjrekar said during a chat on ESPNcricinfo.

Manjrekar didn’t hold back from expressing his thoughts on the current batting order either. He clearly feels Karun Nair isn’t the right fit for the number three position. “In my book, Karun is not a number three player. I would have preferred to see Sai Sudharsan in that role,” he added.

That said, Manjrekar also acknowledged the emotional weight behind Karun Nair’s selection. After being out of the national side for years, his comeback story has drawn sympathy and support. “I do think Karun deserves one more chance, purely because of the journey he’s had. It’s a special story, and I hope he gets the space to prove himself,” he noted.

As the debate continues, there’s also buzz about another possible change — Nitish Kumar Reddy might have to make way for Karun Nair further down the batting order if the team management chooses to keep him.

Shubman Gill and Gautam Gambhir are also said to be closely monitoring the batting combination as India gets ready for the Lord’s Test. If the current form and strategy continue to raise eyebrows, fans might see a shuffle in the playing XI.

The third Test at Lord’s will not just be about winning the match — it will also be about finding the right balance in a team that’s juggling between form, potential, and emotions. All eyes will be on the top order and whether India goes with experience, or gives youth another chance.

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