In a surprising twist ahead of the Lord’s Test, Gautam Gambhir has reportedly made a bold call—dropping Karun Nair from the India squad and giving a golden opportunity to Shubman Gill’s close friend and domestic cricket partner. This decision has sparked intense debate among fans and cricket experts, as Gambhir’s youth-focused strategy continues to shake up Team India’s Test line-up.
According to sources inside the Indian camp, Karun Nair—who was recalled amid much buzz—has now been released from the squad after failing to impress in the initial training sessions and practice matches. His recent form hasn’t lived up to expectations, and with Team India under pressure to win at the iconic Lord’s stadium, the management has opted for a fresh face who is already earning trust behind the scenes.
That fresh face is none other than Abhishek Sharma, a promising left-hander and close friend of Shubman Gill. The two share a long cricketing journey together, having played for India U-19 and Punjab. Their off-field friendship and on-field chemistry are well-known, and insiders suggest that Gill personally backed Abhishek’s inclusion, seeing him as someone who can bring flair and fearlessness to the middle order.
Gautam Gambhir, India’s new head coach, has shown in recent months that he values form, intent, and attitude over past glories. Speaking to media last week, Gambhir said, “This team needs hunger, not history. I want players who are willing to fight for every run.” The selection of Abhishek Sharma reflects that vision—a gutsy call that prioritizes potential over experience.
Karun Nair, despite being one of the few Indians with a Test triple century, has struggled to cement his place in the squad. Since his iconic 303*, he has failed to produce consistent performances and has been in and out of the national team for years. His omission once again raises questions about whether we’ve seen the last of him in Indian whites.
Meanwhile, Abhishek Sharma has been on fire in domestic cricket and the IPL. His aggressive batting style, left-handed advantage, and ability to handle pace make him a tempting option for Lord’s, where India has traditionally struggled to post big first-innings totals. If selected, it will mark his Test debut — and all eyes will be on how he performs under pressure on the biggest stage of them all.
Fans have taken to social media, with reactions pouring in under hashtags like #KarunOut and #AbhishekDebut. While some supporters feel bad for Nair, others are excited to see fresh blood and new energy in the squad.
With the Lord’s Test looming, Gambhir’s decisions will be tested like never before. But one thing is clear — this is a new era of Indian cricket, and no one is guaranteed a spot based on past achievements.