I personally spoke to Karun Nair after team selection meeting for Windies tour, says MSK Prasad

It was a disappointment for the Karnataka batsmen yet again when his name did not feature in the squad for the upcoming home Tests against West Indies. The 26-year old did not play a single match in England despite being named as the extra batsman in the squad. The non-selection made Nair frustrated and in an interview with Cricbuzz, he stated that there was no explanation given to him regarding the same. Chairman of selection committee MSK Prasad, however, claimed that Nair was given an explanation on his exclusion from the West Indies Tests. 

“I personally spoke to Karun soon after the selection of the Test Team against the West Indies and also told the ways to make a comeback. The selection committee is very very clear with regard to the communication process.” Prasad told PTI on Monday

Nair became the second Indian to score a Test triple-century, but since then he has not been given enough chances to bank on that performance.  After the triple ton in Chennai, he was given a chance in the home series against Australia. However, he could not replicate the form as he returned with figures of 26, 0, 23 & 5 in the four innings he played over three Test matches. He hasn't played a Test for the Indian team since then. 

During the tour of England, Nair was picked in the original squad, but the management finally decided to play an extra batsman in the eleven in the fifth Test and it was Hanuma Vihari who was picked over Nair. Vihari had been added to the squad only after the third Test. However, he took his chance and impressed everyone with a decent half-century. However, Prasad reiterated to PTI that he has indeed been intimated as to why a certain decision was taken. 

“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,” Prasad said. 

“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 also did not rule out Nair’s chances for playing in the Indian team again. 

“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,” he said.