Mohammad Kaif lauds Karun Nair, says he can play for an entire day ahead of England series

Former Indian batter Mohammad Kaif has showered praise on Karun Nair after the right-hander made a comeback to the team after eight long years. Nair scored 863 runs in nine matches of the Ranji Trophy at an average of 53.93, with the help of four centuries to earn a recall into India’s Test squad.

On the other hand, Nair also amassed 779 runs in nine matches of the Vijay Hazare Trophy at an average of 389.50 and a strike rate of 124.04, with the help of five hundreds. Furthermore, the right-hander has the experience of playing for Kent in County Cricket.

Thus, he was added to India’s Test squad after performing consistently in the domestic circuit.

Kaif picked Sai Sudharsan and Karun Nair to bat like Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman and Cheteshwar Pujara. Sudharsan recently scored 759 runs in IPL 2025 for Gujarat Titans and bagged the Orange Cap.

Mohammad Kaif said on his YouTube Channel, “Dravid, Laxman, and Pujara type of players in this team. Sai Sudharsan, I have seen him, he looks like a complete batter. He has ability to play grounded shots. He takes less risk, has a solid defense, plays spin and fast bowling very well.”

He added, “Another player would be Karun Nair, he can also do the same work, and he too has a complete game. He plays big innings in Ranji and is coming on the back of consistent runs. He can play for an entire day. The batter who has the ability to score runs by playing grounded shots is one who plays full day. You must also have the ability to leave balls.”

“I think Sai Sudharsan is a complete package. In a format like IPL, he has scored by playing ground strokes in all matches. I think he can be future Pujara or Rahul Dravid,” Kaif added.

Kaif, who is known for his match-winning knock in the Natwest final, believes Nitish Kumar Reddy might be preferred ahead of Shardul Thakur.

He concluded, “I think Nitish Reddy will be the fourth fast bowler because he will also bat at No. 8. He can come after Jadeja. He scored a century in Australia and he can come and pick up one or two wickets.”

The opening Test match between India and England will be played at Leeds, Headingley, from June 20 onwards.