As the controversy over the omission of Karun Nair from the India Test squad for the West Indies series rages on, chief selector MSK Prasad has gone on record over the perceived ‘lack of communication’.
Nair was picked in the Test squad for the tour of England but failed to get a single game in the five-match series. He was subsequently not picked in the squad for the two Tests against the Windies with many former India cricketers expressing their outrage over the treatment handed out to the Tamil Nadu batsman.
The 26-year-old has recently spoken about the lack of communication with the selectors during what has been a frustrating period for the batsman. Now, Prasad has given his views on the reason behind Nair’s omission.
“Communication has always been the strong point of this committee. It’s really tough to inform any unpleasant news to any player. You need to have valid reasons to explain them about their exclusion though they may not agree with it,” the chief Indian selector told the Indian Express.
The former India wicketkeeper-batsman also revealed that his colleague Devang Gandhi had been in constant communication with Nair during his frustrating spell in England and that the batsman had been personally informed after his exclusion from the squad for the West Indies series.
Nair failed to get a single game in the tour of England.
“Having said that, we are very clear and candid in our communication process. My colleague Devang Gandhi spoke to Karun Nair at length in England to keep him motivated and wait for his opportunities,” Prasad explained.
“I personally spoke to Karun soon after the Test squad was announced for the West Indies series.
“I also explained the reason behind his non-inclusion. I told him that we cannot have an extended squad at home and keep him waiting for his opportunity to play in the XI, and that too in a two-Test series. Rather, it makes sense to play in domestic competitions and keep scoring runs.”
The India selection chief reiterated that Nair remains in the Indian Test set-ups plans moving forward.
“He will have to keep piling on the runs in the Ranji Trophy and whatever India A series is there. Karun is very much in the scheme of things for Test cricket. Right now, we have advised him to focus on performing in domestic and India A matches,” Prasad stated.
