Karun Nair and Abhinav Mukund are by no means ruled out of Sri Lankan tour: MSK Prasad

Chief selector MSK Prasad has revealed that Abhinav Mukund and Karun Nair were still in the running to make it to the squad for the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka. Both Nair and Mukund were in the India ‘A’ squad that will tour South Africa later this month.

As the dates of the South Africa tour and the Sri Lanka tour clash, it was a general consensus that the players of the A team will not be a part of the senior squad for the forthcoming tour. However, Prasad clarified that being selected in the A squad does not necessarily mean that one has to miss the tour to Sri Lanka.

Speaking to Sportstar on Friday, Prasad said, “Karun and Abhinav were chosen in the India ‘A’ sides keeping in mind the needs of that team. “But they are by no means ruled out of the Indian team’s tour of Sri Lanka. We will be picking the squad only on July 11 and in case any of them is picked, he will be replaced in the India ‘A’ team. It’s simple.”

On being asked about the progress of Vijay and Rahul

Murali Vijay and KL Rahul are both recovering from injuries after undergoing surgeries on their wrist and shoulder respectively. When the chief selector was questioned about their progress, he said, “We will await the report of Indian team physio Patrick Farhart on them. We will also coordinate with Andrew Leipus at the National Cricket Academy. We will take a call during the selection meeting.”

On persisting with Yuvraj, Dhoni

Prasad also shed light on why the selection committee was persisting with Yuvraj Singh and MS Dhoni. He said, “Every player has a right to play as long as he is fit, has the hunger, and is performing. But it is up to the selectors to decide what is good for the team in the long run.”

He also noted that India performed “very well” to reach the final of the ICC Champions Trophy.