India vs England: Gautam Gambhir gives Huge Hint on Team Selection as One Player looks set to Return

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India head coach Gautam Gambhir has suggested that Karun Nair could be in line for a Test comeback during the upcoming five-match series against England.

Speaking at a press conference alongside newly-appointed Test captain Shubman Gill, Gambhir said the Karnataka batter would be given a proper run if and when he gets his opportunity.

Nair, who last played a Test match for India in 2017, has returned to the squad after a long gap of seven years. He was included in India's 18-member squad for the England tour after a consistent run in domestic cricket, and Gambhir believes his experience and form in English conditions could prove crucial.

"It's good to have the experience of Karun, who has played a bit of County cricket. He has scored runs there and hit a double hundred for India A. It's always good to have players who are in good form on these kinds of tours," Gambhir said.

The Indian team departs soon for England, with the first Test scheduled to begin on 20 June. Nair had already travelled to England ahead of the squad and made a strong case for himself with a double century in an unofficial Test for India A against the England Lions in Canterbury.

Gambhir stressed that players like Nair, who have earned their place through domestic performances, will be backed properly.

"His experience will definitely come in handy, and hopefully he can deliver. More importantly, we will not judge someone by one or two Tests. You guys can. We won't. I think if someone has scored heaps of runs, he will be given a good run at this level as well so that he can showcase his talent here," he added.

India are set to commence the new WTC cycle in the five-match England series, but more importantly, they will be without their two pillars in batting - Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, as the duo announced their Test retirement.. India are also without Ravichandran Ashwin, who retired from all forms of the game last year.