Caught on digicam: Karun Nair breaks down after being dropped, childhood friend KL Rahul consoles him | Cricket News – Times of India

Karun Nair made his lengthy-awaited return to Test cricket after eight years, hoping for a contemporary begin—massive runs, stable partnerships, and an announcement comeback. But the fact turned out otherwise. After underwhelming performances within the first three Tests, Nair was dropped from India’s taking part in XI for the fourth Test at Old Trafford.He managed simply 131 runs throughout six innings, prompting the crew administration to usher in B Sai Sudharsan in his place.

A photograph that has gone viral on social media exhibits an emotional Karun Nair in tears, with star cricketer and childhood friend KL Rahul seen consoling him—capturing the uncooked emotion of a tricky second within the cricketer’s journey.Nair’s return started on a disappointing be aware. In the opening Test at Headingley, he was dismissed for a duck within the first innings and made simply 20 within the second. He was retained for the second Test, the place he scored 31 and 26. In the third Test, he confirmed glimpses of type with a 40-run knock within the first innings, however may solely handle 14 within the second.With his place underneath scrutiny, India captain Shubman Gill made the decision to depart him out for the fourth Test. Three modifications had been made to the taking part in XI. Anshul Kamboj was handed a Test debut, whereas Sai Sudharsan and Shardul Thakur had been additionally included. Sudharsan changed Karun, and Shardul got here in for Nitish Kumar Reddy, who was dominated out resulting from a left knee damage.Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif criticised Gill for not backing Nair at an important juncture. “Today was Shubman Gill’s chance to back Karun who was down but deserved one more chance. He should have picked Karun Nair. Chance missed to earn the respect when it comes to making tough decisions as a leader,” Kaif posted on X.England presently lead the 5-match sequence 2-1, following their dramatic 22-run victory within the third Test at Lord’s.