Mumbai: The talented Karun Nair has retained his place in India’s Test squad and would be hoping to earn his first Test cap against England. The Karnataka batsman made his India debut in ODI series against Zimbabwe. However, things didn’t go according to the plan as he scored only 46 runs in two innings.
"I was disappointed with the way my ODI debut series panned out. I don't think I lived up to the standards I set myself," Nair told ESPNcricinfo.
"Probably I didn't grab my chances. But after the tour I decided to put that behind me and look forward to the new season. I didn't want to sit and keep hoping, but I knew my chances will come sooner than later if I keep scoring runs."
India have picked six batsmen in the Test squad and if Virat Kohli decides to play all six of them in the first Test, then Nair will be in for his Test debut. In that case, the batsman will be required to play at No. 6 position in place of Rohit Sharma.
"I'm not too fussy about batting positions, honestly."
"I've been playing up the order in the IPL, so in white-ball cricket, I've enjoyed batting up the order. I started off as an opener for my state side in my junior-cricket days and then settled at No. 4. In Zimbabwe, I was asked if I would be ready to open. As a debutant, you can't have preferences, and it was a challenge I readily accepted.
"Having been on the fringes of the Test team, you do think of all this while sitting outside, but eventually it's about being confident in your abilities and trusting the technique that has got you to this level."
Nair revealed there was a period when he was full of self-doubt and was failing to convert starts.
"I had a mental block while growing up, but that also made me learn you don't throw away starts.”
"Not being able to convert starts made me tougher. I became more attacking. I used to make 60s and 70s and get out. When I started to attack and bat more freely, I realised the 30-40 runs came quite easily. That change in mindset made a big difference. Now, I tend to play to the situation even though I believe I'm an attacking batsman."
Nair is thankful to India A coach Rahul Dravid for being supportive and backing him in pressure situations.
"Once I got the confidence from him, all my self-doubts vanished."
"I was batting within myself initially. I asked him about the areas I needed to work on. It felt reassuring to hear him tell me there was nothing wrong.
"Someone like him saying that was of real value, so I've never had any batting conversations with him since. He has been very supportive, backed me in pressure situations and given me the opportunity to express myself. At that stage, he had more confidence in me than I did. That sort of gives you a boost from within."
