Epic 303* not enough: Karun Nair to be dropped for Bangladesh Test, hints Virat Kohli

Hyderabad, Feb 8: He created history with an epic knock of 303 not out. And now Karun Nair will be handed another unwanted piece of record by the Indian team management as he is set to be dropped from the side to face Bangladesh here tomorrow (February 9).

Karun's records on way to triple ton

The 25-year-old Karun became only the second Test triple centurion from India when he smashed 303 not out against England in the 5th and final match of the series in Chennai on December 19, 2016. (Another record beckons Kohli)

Since then and now, India were busy with limied overs cricket against England and Karun did not feature in any of the contests.

With India facing Bangladesh in a one-off Test from Thursday at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Karun is set to make way for Ajinkya Rahane.

Captain Virat Kohli supported Rahane's return in place of Karun stating that the Mumbai right-hander was the "most solid batsman".

"I feel one game doesn't overshadow 2 years of hard work from another player. That is my point of view. You need to understand what 'Jinks' has done for the team for past 2 years. He averages almost 50 in this format (Tests). He is probably the most solid batsman in our team, in the Test format. We look at him from that point of view, certainly," Kohli said on the eve of the Test match today.

"Karun was stepping into his shoes and what he did was remarkable. Sealing his spot, as far as the squad is concerned, is what Karun did. But as I said you can't overlook 2 years of hard work from Ajinkya. He deserves to walk back into the team whenever he got fit. That is my take on it," he added.

Karun had made it to the team at the expense of Rahane, who was injured. Now, the team management is set to recall the Mumbai batsman in place of Karun.

It is unfair to drop a player who batted his way into record books. Karun will definitely be disappointed not to feature in the Playing XI tomorrow.

Both skipper Kohli and coach Anil Kumble should have found a way to retain Karun to boost his confidence. But they haven't.

Probably Karun has claimed a record now of being the first player to be dropped after scoring a triple hundred!

If the Indian battting combination clicks again and continues to flourish in the longer format, Karun will have to wait for a long time to return to the side.

OneIndia News