Anil Kumble Names A Surprising Pick To Replace Virat Kohli In Test Cricket

Virat Kohli’s retirement from Test cricket has sent shockwaves through the cricketing world. Kohli, the indomitable number four batsman for India in the longest format, announced his decision to step down just before a pivotal tour of England, leaving a massive void in the Indian batting order. With the leadership transition happening across formats and the absence of a direct replacement for Kohli, the question looms large: who will step into the high-pressure role at number four?

As the Indian selectors and cricketing community speculate on potential candidates, one name has gained surprising traction — Karun Nair. Once heralded as the next big thing in Indian cricket, Nair’s career has been marred by inconsistent opportunities and long periods of exclusion from the national side. However, his resurgence in the domestic cricket circuit, combined with valuable experience playing County cricket, has made him a surprising yet compelling candidate for the role.

Anil Kumble’s Support for Karun Nair

Anil Kumble, the legendary former Indian cricketer and ex-captain, has been vocal about his support for Karun Nair to replace Virat Kohli at number four in the Test squad. In a recent interview with ESPNcricinfo, Kumble expressed his belief that Karun Nair’s recent domestic form, coupled with his experience in England, makes him the ideal candidate to fill Kohli’s shoes.

Kumble’s endorsement of Nair comes at a time when the Indian team is grappling with the absence of not only Kohli but also the lack of a consistent player to occupy the crucial middle-order position. Despite other names like Shreyas Iyer and Sarfaraz Khan being in the mix, Kumble has emphasized the need for experience in English conditions, a quality that Nair has in spades.

“Karun deserves to come back into the Indian team with the kind of domestic run he has had. So perhaps he could be the No.4 for India because I feel, you need a bit of experience. You need someone in England who has been there and done that. He has played County cricket, so he knows the conditions,” Kumble said, advocating for the recognition of first-class performances over IPL statistics.

Kumble’s statement holds weight because of his own illustrious career and deep understanding of what it takes to succeed in international cricket. His belief that Nair, despite being over 30, can make a difference underscores the notion that cricketing experience — especially in challenging conditions like those in England — should be given the importance it deserves.

“If the sheer performance in domestic cricket doesn’t get recognised, it becomes a bit of a challenge,” Kumble added, pointing to the importance of rewarding consistent performances in first-class cricket.

Karun Nair’s Redemption Story

Karun Nair’s career has been one of the more intriguing and perplexing narratives in recent Indian cricket history. His story is one of immense promise, unexpected setbacks, and a quiet yet determined return to form.

Nair’s breakthrough came in 2016, when he scored a historic triple century — 303 runs — against England in Chennai. This remarkable achievement made Nair only the second Indian batsman to score a triple century in Test cricket, after the legendary Virender Sehwag. This feat cemented his place as one of India’s most exciting middle-order prospects and he was expected to feature prominently in India’s Test squad for years to come.

However, despite his early success, Nair’s career was soon marked by inconsistent opportunities and inconsistent selection. After his brilliant triple century, he was sidelined and didn’t receive regular chances in the Test lineup. His last Test appearance came in 2017, against Australia in Dharamsala, and despite being included in the squad for India’s 2018 tour of England, Nair was never given a chance to play in a single Test match.

The years following his Test exclusion were difficult for Nair. He had to endure a prolonged period of neglect from the selectors. Despite being part of the national setup, he was dropped from the playing XI without receiving adequate chances to showcase his talent. However, instead of fading away, Nair chose to focus on his domestic cricketing career.

Karun Nair’s Domestic Dominance: The 2024–25 Season

Nair’s domestic form in recent years has been nothing short of spectacular. In the 2024–25 season, representing Vidarbha in the Ranji Trophy, Karun Nair demonstrated his class with a prolific run of form. In just 16 innings, he accumulated 863 runs at an average of 53.93, including four centuries and two fifties. His exceptional performances helped Vidarbha secure the Ranji Trophy title, further cementing his status as one of the most technically sound middle-order batsmen in Indian cricket.

Nair’s statistics in the domestic circuit are a testament to his consistency, resilience, and hunger for success. His ability to play long innings, score heavily, and deliver in crunch situations is exactly what India needs in a middle-order batsman, especially in the challenging conditions of English cricket.

While Shreyas Iyer and Sarfaraz Khan have also been consistent in domestic cricket, Karun Nair’s performance in foreign conditions, particularly his experience in County cricket, makes him stand out as the ideal candidate for the number four position. His ability to adapt to varying conditions — especially in England, where the conditions are vastly different from Indian subcontinent pitches — adds further value to his case.

The Case for County Cricket Experience

One of the most compelling reasons why Kumble has backed Nair for the number four spot is his experience in County cricket. Playing County cricket offers invaluable exposure to England’s notoriously challenging conditions, and Nair’s time in the UK has given him a unique edge.

County cricket is widely regarded as one of the best platforms for players to hone their skills before taking on the challenges of international cricket. The swing and seam movement prevalent in English conditions require a different skill set, and having experience in such conditions can make a huge difference in Test cricket. Karun Nair’s exposure to County cricket has provided him with a deeper understanding of these conditions, which will stand him in good stead if he is selected for the Indian Test team.

This factor is crucial because, historically, Indian batsmen have struggled in English conditions, with many top-order batsmen failing to adapt to the moving ball and overcast skies. Having a batsman who has already faced these challenges in County cricket could give India a much-needed advantage in the English series, especially with Kohli’s departure.

The Argument for Domestic Performances Over IPL Stats

Another important point raised by Kumble is the need for selectors to prioritize first-class cricket performances over IPL statistics when selecting players for the national team. While the IPL has become a platform where players showcase their skills to a global audience, the domestic circuit — particularly Ranji Trophy — remains the true test of a player’s technical ability, temperament, and consistency.

Kumble’s emphasis on rewarding domestic performances reflects the sentiment that first-class cricket provides a more accurate reflection of a player’s ability to adapt to various conditions, especially in Test cricket. IPL, while an excellent tournament for honing limited-overs skills, does not offer the same challenges that Test cricket does. Test cricket demands a level of mental fortitude, concentration, and patience that is best developed through rigorous domestic competition.

By selecting Karun Nair, whose domestic form has been exemplary, Kumble believes that the Indian team will not only have a technically proficient batsman at number four but also someone who understands the nuances of red-ball cricket. His selection would send a strong message to young cricketers, emphasizing the value of playing and excelling in domestic cricket, rather than relying on the IPL as a sole pathway to international recognition.

A Second Chance for Karun Nair?

Karun Nair’s return to the national fold would be one of Indian cricket’s most compelling redemption stories. Despite facing adversity and years of exclusion, Nair has kept his focus on domestic cricket, and his performances have proven that he is ready for another shot at international cricket.

While the selectors will have to consider various factors — including form, fitness, and team dynamics — Nair’s technical prowess, county cricket experience, and recent domestic form make him a strong contender for the number four position in the Indian Test team.

With Kohli’s retirement, the number four spot has become one of the most crucial positions in Indian cricket, and Karun Nair might just be the right man to carry forward the legacy that Kohli leaves behind. It’s time for Indian cricket to recognize the immense potential of Karun Nair and give him the opportunity to shine on the grand stage once again.

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