Harbhajan Singh bewildered by Hanuma Vihari's selection over Karun Nair

Back in November 2016, Karun Nair became the first Indian batsman after Virender Sehwag to score a triple century in Test Cricket when India played England in Mohali. Thereafter, he hasn’t quite been able to cement his position in the national team. He last donned the Indian jersey in India’s Test match against Australia in Dharamshala back in March 2017.

However, he found his way back into the Indian squad when he was picked for India’s historic Test against Afghanistan at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore, but wasn’t selected in the eleven, much to his despair. Nevertheless, the Rajasthan-born cricketer was included in India’s squad for the ongoing five-match Test series against the Three Lions.

Nair has been on the tour from the beginning

Despite India’s indifferent performances in the batting department, Nair couldn’t break into the eleven. Hanuma Vihari, who was selected for the final two Tests at The Ageas Bowl and Kennington Oval, got his maiden cap. Meanwhile, the decision to leave out Nair has furrowed a number of eyebrows including Harbhajan Singh, who is currently serving his stint with the BBC.

“I am a bit surprised to see Hanuma Vihari play ahead of Karun Nair, who has been a part of the team from the first match itself and didn’t get to play a game. Nair has been on the tour from the beginning, hasn’t got a game, but the new guy comes into the team from the fourth Test and straightaway gets to play,” Harbhajan was quoted as saying on Sky Sports.

Vihari has shown impressive form in the Indian domestic circuit, representing Andhra Pradesh. Moreover, the 24-year-old did exceptionally well for India ‘A’ in their recent encounters against South Africa ‘A’, England Lions and Windies ‘A’. India will play their next Test series against the Windies next month and Nair will be desperate to stake his claim in the lineup.

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