I consider myself an all-format cricketer: Nair

Back in the Indian Test cricket team after more than a year, middle-order batsman Karun Nair says he is now working to become an all-format player in future.

The 26-year-old Karnataka right-hander will replace Virat Kohli in the Indian team, which will take on debutants Afghanistan in Bengaluru from June 14-18. Nair is currently playing for Kings XI Punjab in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL).

“I am really excited to be wearing those whites again and representing my country has always been an honour and privilege. I am really looking forward to it,” Nair said.

“I have worked really hard over the last one and half years. My form in the IPL and the way I have batted, I consider myself an all-format player and it’s just about getting those opportunities and making the most of them,” said Nair when asked about common perception that the Karnataka willower is a Test specialist.

“It’s just that finding a spot in the one day team is difficult. I need to do better to get those opportunities and I am on the right track. I will do everything I can with the bat to make sure I play all formats,” he said. Nair will lead the India ‘A’ side in the fourday matches in the UK. For India A’s One-Day tri-series assignment in the UK, he has not been picked. “I am really happy to be leading the team. It’s a great opportunity for us as a team to learn how to play cricket in England,” Nair said.

“We need to learn to adjust to those conditions. For me as a captain, we have a talented bunch of youngsters who are really exciting.”