India batter Karun Nair is disappointed after being dropped for the upcoming home Test series against the West Indies.
The Indian squad for the West Indies series was announced on Wednesday, and Karun’s name was missing. Young left-hander Devdutt Padikkal, who recently scored a century in the unofficial Test against Australia A, has returned to the side.
“Yes, I did expect the selection,” Karun told the Times of India. “I don’t know what to say. No words. I don’t have many comments to make. It’s very difficult for me to answer. You should probably ask the selectors what they are thinking.”
Sai Sudharsan, who scored 140 runs from three matches at an average of 23.33 in England, has retained his place in the team. However, Karun, who scored 205 runs in four matches at an average of 25.62, has been left out.
Ajit Agarkar, the chief selector, said that Karun did not fully meet expectations during the England series.
“Frankly, we expected a little more from Karun. He played four Tests, and you’re referring to just one innings. That’s the way it is. We feel Padikkal offers a little more at this point. Wish we could give everyone 15–20 Tests,” said Agarkar.
Karun also referred to his half-century in the first innings of the Oval Test, where others struggled.
“The only thing is, in the last Test match, I scored a fifty when no one else managed to in the first innings. So, yeah, I thought I contributed to the team — especially in the last game that we won. But, yeah, it is what it is. Those things don’t matter,” Karun added.
In conclusion, Karun revealed his future plans — to continue playing good cricket.
“There’s not much I can say. There’s not much I can do to change anything. So, yeah, I just have to keep going — at least from my point of view, not from others’. In my head, I’m very clear. I did my best, they’ve made their decision, and you have to respect that.”
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