Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has raised questions over India’s recent team selections, even after their strong comeback win against England at Edgbaston, which helped them level the series 1-1 ahead of the third Test at Lord’s.
India made a few changes following their loss in the Headingley Test. One of the most talked-about moves was promoting 33-year-old Karun Nair to the number three spot in the batting order.
Nair, who returned to Test cricket after eight years, had previously batted at number six. He replaced young left-hander Sai Sudharsan, who was dropped after just one match. Washington Sundar was brought in as an all-rounder at No. 8.
“I Didn’t Agree with the Selections,” says Manjrekar
“There were some very interesting selections made in the last game, which I didn’t agree with. In the end, a win can put a cover on those decisions. I thought Sai Sudharsan, after just one match, to be left out considering he is a young player that we are looking at the future. He played pretty okay in the second innings. I’d like to stick with him but this team management is not afraid to chop and change depending on the vibe,” Manjrekar said on ESPNCricinfo.
“But I would like to see Sai Sudharsan at number three. Karun Nair is not a number-three player in my book. It is unfair to drop him after one Test if everyone is getting big hundreds. I think Sai deserves that opportunity as well,” he added.
Manjrekar also warned India not to be overconfident despite posting big totals. “I’d like to see India being pragmatic and realistic about how good the team is… Perhaps a changed England attack will have more sharpness and potency.”
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