Anil Kumble wants India to play the same team in the next Test against England at Old Trafford. India lost to England and are now 2-1 down in the series after failing to chase 193 at Lord’s.
Shubman Gill’s team had a tough loss in the third Test, losing to England by 22 runs. Even with some players not doing well, Kumble thinks India should back their team and play the same eleven in Manchester.
Kumble told Star Sports’ Follow the Blues, I won’t change the team too much because I think India played a good game. They lost by 22 runs, yes. We don’t know if Rishabh Pant is injured. TOI quoted this.
Karun Nair, the number three batter, was a big disappointment, scoring only 54 runs in both innings. He hasn’t been able to make his starts count, scoring 131 runs at an average of 21.83. Even though he has looked good against the moving ball, he often gets out in his 20s and 30s which has caused problems for India at crucial times.
Still Kumble thinks India should give Nair another chance since he has looked confident when he has been at the crease for short periods. Kumble thinks Nair is close to a big score and has it in him to be India’s main batter in Manchester.
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Kumble added, If he had got out early, Shubman Gill would have had to face the new ball sooner. We know those first 20 or 25 overs were crucial. I still think Nair will keep his place. He was unlucky to get out; Joe Root made a great catch. I will give him one more game.
Even with Kumble’s backing, Nair’s place is not guaranteed as B Sai Sudharsan and Dhruv Jurel are waiting in the wings. The fourth Test on July 23 will reveal what India plans to do with Nair as they gear up for this big match.
