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Mohammad Kaif believes Karun Nair could be the next long-game Test batter for India after Dravid, Laxman, and Pujara.
India will play five Tests during the tour. (Image Credit: BCCI)
Former India international Mohammad Kaif believes Karun Nair could be the next in line in the generation of batters who can play the long game in Tests after Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman and Cheteshwar Pujara. Kaif said that Nair can play grounded shots and leave balls, which allows him to bat for entire days.
Nair has got an India call-up after eight years, thanks to his consistency across formats on the domestic circuit in the past couple of years. He has a record-breaking 300 to his name against England in India. His Test average reads at a spectacular 62.33 (after six matches) while his First-Class average is 49.82.
“Karun Nair can do the same work,” Kaif said in a video on his YouTube channel comparing him to Pujara, Dravid and Laxman. “He has a complete game. He plays big innings in Ranji and is coming on the back of consistent runs. He can play for an entire day. The batter who has the ability to score runs by playing grounded shots is one who plays full day. You must also have the ability to leave balls,” he added.
Pujara and Dravid dominated the number three spot, which is now vacant as India have dropped Pujara and Shubman Gill has dropped himself down to number four after Virat Kohli’s retirement. Another option mooted for the role is Sai Sudharsan, the Orange Cap winner in IPL 2025.
Kaif feels the Gujarat Titans youngster could be of the same mould, too.
“Sai Sudharsan, I have seen him, he looks like a complete batter. He takes less risk, has solid defense, plays spin and fast bowling very well. He is a complete package. In a format like IPL, he has scored by playing ground strokes in all matches. I think he can be a future Pujara or Rahul Dravid.”
Kaif picks India’s fourth pacer
The former India batter also gave his opinion on who should be the team’s all-rounder in the series between Nitish Kumar Reddy and Shardul Thakur.
“I think Nitish Reddy will be the fourth fast bowler because he will also bat at No. 8. He can come after Jadeja. He scored a century in Australia, and he can come and pick up one or two wickets,” Kaif said.
The first Test begins on Friday in Headingley, Leeds.
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