Kumble backs Hardik, Karun Nair

Kumble made it clear that the team will allow Hardik to “express himself” as an all-rounder who can be the potential fifth bowler and was unequivocal about team management fully backing talented Karun if he gets an opportunity. Asked about Hardik, the legendary spinner sounded very positive. “Hardik is an extremely talented player. Even when he first came into IPL, he showed what he was capable of. 

Yes, the shorter format is different but we have all seen the potential that Hardik has. Whether it is a short glimpse in a T20, or whether when he bowled at Dharamsala (three wickets) or batted at Delhi (30 plus runs). That’s why we have backed him to get him in the Test squad,” Kumble said. You could get a sense of what’s going in his mind when he spoke about Hardik’s potential as a fifth bowler. “We all understand the importance of a fifth bowler. And if someone can bowl at 140 and give option of batting well lower down the order, we are really looking at how Hardik develops. We are going to give all the freedom to express himself whenever he gets the opportunity. Quality player whom we will back, nice thing to have an all-rounder in the squad.” 

When the discussion veered towards whether Karun Nair, who could be a possible choice as the sixth specialist batsman is being considered, Kumble was equally positive in his  response without playing the ball. “Karun has done all hard yards in domestic cricket. He has scored runs heavily, regularly and consistently. There was some talk about him not getting runs in Australia for India A but what we are looking at is consistency. That’s why he was a part of New Zealand Test squad. After that he went back to Ranji Trophy, got those runs, hundreds. It has opened an opportunity for Karun now that Rohit (Sharma) is injured,” Kumble said.