Shubman Gill reveals why Karun Nair wasn't picked for ODI and Champions Trophy squads

India is scheduled to play England in the upcoming three-match ODI series, slated to commence on February 6. Ahead of the ongoing white-ball series, Karun Nair had a stellar Vijay Hazare Trophy for Vidarbha. Amassing a whopping tally of 779 runs in eight innings, there was a lot of pressure applied on the Board of Control for Cricket in India to include him in the 16-member squad for the ODI series against England. However, he was not drafted by the selectors, stirring outrage in the cricket fraternity.

Current vice-captain of the ODI squad, Shubman Gill, felt for Karun and his present situation. However, he emphasised that no one in the current setup deserved to be replaced due to all the middle-order batters being in form the last time all of them played as a unit. 

"He definitely performed very well in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. But, you also need to consider who he would have replaced. The players in the current setup are already doing well. In the ODI World Cup, every middle-order batter scored 400–500 runs. We have just played three ODIs after that as a group. No one has gotten a longer run. We lost the ODI World Cup final. If you leave out that performance, the entire team has been performing consistently. I think the players who are already there have been performing," stated Gill, as quoted by Hindustan Times. 

Every good team backs their players: Gill

Gill opined that however unfortunate the situation involving standout performers in the domestic circuit was, he firmly believed in giving each player in the national setup a fair run before considering a replacement.  

"It is unfortunate that players who have done well in domestic cricket, were not able to find a place in the team. I strongly believe for any player to come in, there should be a place for them as well. It won't be justice if the player who is already performing, is asked to make their way out. Then, we won't be able to form a consistent team. Every good team backs their players, and we don't want insecurity to creep in within our players," added Gill.

Also Read: Varun Chakaravarthy added to India's squad for England ODIs; Jasprit Bumrah ruled out

The three-match ODI series which will be contested between India and England is slated to commence on February 6. Once the 50-over leg of the ongoing white-ball series concludes, India will head over to the United Arab of Emirates for the upcoming edition of the Champions Trophy.