Rajkot: Anil Kumble is facing a selection conundrum as he needs to choose either fifth bowler Hardik Pandya or sixth batsman Karun Nair for the series-opener against England but India’s chief coach did not reveal much on his preference, praising talent of both the players.
Kumble made it clear that the team will allow Hardik to express himself as an all-rounder who can be the potential fifth bowler and was unequivocal about team management fully backing talented Karun if he gets an
opportunity.
Asked about Hardik, the legendary spinner sounded very positive. “Hardik is an extremely talented player. Even when he first came into IPL, he showed what he was capable of. Yes, the shorter format is different but we have all seen the potential that Hardik has. Whether it is a short glimpse in a T20, or whether when he bowled at Dharamsala (3 wickets) or batted at Delhi (30 plus runs). That’s why we have backed him to get him in the Test squad,” Kumble said.
“We all understand the importance of a fifth bowler. And if someone can bowl at 140 and give option of batting well lower down the order, we are really looking at how Hardik develops. We are going to give all the freedom to express himself whenever he gets the opportunity. Quality player whom we will back, nice thing to have an all-rounder in the squad.”
When the discussion veered towards whether Karun Nair, who could be a possible choice as the sixth specialist batsman is being considered, Kumble was equally positive in his response.
“Karun has done all hard yards in domestic cricket. He has scored runs heavily, regularly and consistently. There was some talk about him not getting runs in Australia for India A, but what we are looking at is consistency. That’s why he was a part of New Zealand Test squad. After that he went back to Ranji Trophy, got those runs, hundreds. It has opened an opportunity for Karun now that Rohit (Sharma) is injured,” Kumble said.
“We haven’t looked at combination. Karun is someone we have kept close eye on, backed him for all good things that he has done. I am sure he will get an opportunity. We want to back him to get runs as he has done for Karnataka.”
Press Trust of India