Former cricketer-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra believes Karun Nair will now find it tough to reclaim his place in India’s playing XI after being dropped from the Manchester Test against England.

On the eve of the match, India skipper Shubman Gill said the management is backing Nair and they are confident of him turning the tide around. However, at the toss, it was confirmed that the right-handed batter has been replaced by young Sai Sudharsan.

Nair, who earned his place in the Indian Test side after eight years following a prolific domestic season, showed class in first three Tests but failed to convert his starts into meaningful scores. His scores in six innings were 0, 20, 31, 26, 40 and 14.

In the series opener at Headingley, Karun batted at No.6 while Sudharsan played at No.3. However, Sudharsan was then left out of the next two Tests, and Karun was promoted to No.3 position.

The 33-year-old failed to make the opportunity count, eventually leading to his ouster from the lineup.

“Sai Sudharsan came in for Karun Nair. Your mind goes back to the press conference on the eve of the Manchester Test where Gill spoke very fondly about Nair, saying the batter didn't get the right slot to bat in the series opener and whatever, whatever,” Chopra said on his YouTube channel.

“He also said that he has faith in Karun Nair to turn it around. Comes the Test match, he gets dropped,” he added.

Chopra feels Karun Nair's road ahead is tricky as several quality batters are waiting in the wings.

“Karun Nair's road ahead gets difficult. If he had gotten another game, it would have been good. I think he could have been given another game. But since it has not been given, I think this is it. For the time being, how can you bring him into the playing XI?” Chopra stated.

“Abhimanyu Easwaran is already in the line. Sarfaraz Khan has not done any wrong. Shreyas Iyer will also be in the scheme of things. Karun Nair had a good opportunity, but he failed to capitalise. His career says 'never say never,' but it will be difficult for him as it will not be straightforward,” he remarked.

Sai Sudharsan repaid the faith of the team management as he scored 61 runs in the first innings of the Manchester Test, where India ended Day 1 at 264/4.