Prasidh Krishna Nets Session Impacts Karun Nair
Nair's nets session was a mixed bag, with struggles against pace and spin, but he showed improvement in his judgement and confidence. The Indian team's all-round focus and England's announced playing XI have added to the excitement and anticipation ahead of the first Test.
Karun Nair's crucial nets session in Leeds was marked by struggle after his double ton in the unofficial India A vs England Lions series, where he appeared under-confident and was dismissed twice, including being hit by a bouncer from Prasidh Krishna.
Nair, a contender for selection in the revamped Indian batting lineup, continued to work on his approach, receiving medical attention after being hit and showed improved judgement in leaving deliveries. His confidence grew gradually, but it was a testing session for Nair, who needs to make a strong impression to keep his case alive for a spot in the XI.
The team's all-round focus was also evident, with bowlers like Prasidh Krishna, Arshdeep Singh, and Bumrah also batting in the nets. Nair is expected to face stiff competition for a spot in the batting lineup, which is expected to feature Shubman Gill at No.4 and Rishabh Pant at No.5. Nair has only batted at No.5 or lower in six Test matches and has been out of the Indian Test squad for over seven years.
England has announced their playing XI, which includes Chris Woakes returning to the Test team and Brydon Carse replacing Gus Atkinson. The first Test against England at Headingley is expected to be a challenging one for the Indian team, and Nair's performance in the upcoming sessions will be crucial in determining his selection.
With the first Test just around the corner, the Indian team will be looking to finalize their lineup and make a strong start to the series. Nair's experience and previous performance against England will be key factors in his selection, and he will aim to capitalize on the opportunity if given a chance.