Former Indian leg-spinner Amit Mishra has backed the selectors’ decision to exclude Karun Nair from the two-match Test squad against the West Indies. Nair was able to make a much-awaited comeback into the Test team as he got his chance for the tour of England.

But the right-hander failed to grab his chance as he could only manage 205 runs in four Test matches at an average of 25.62 against England. Mishra said the 33-year-old was lucky to get his chance and as he could not grab his opportunities with both hands, selectors will look in another direction.

Amit Mishra said via the Hawk, “He (Nair) was given a chance. I will say that he was very lucky to make a comeback in the Indian team at the age of 32, 33 or 34. It was an opportunity for him to do well. He played so many matches, but did not perform well. It happens that after a while, you have to look at the youngsters who are performing well. You have to give them a chance.”

Meanwhile, Mishra said the Ajit Agarkar-led selection panel will give more chances to Sai Sudharsan at the number three position. The left-hander had scored 140 runs in three Test matches against England but he would look to come up with more consistent performances.

“Sai Sudharsan is one of the players who will now get more chances, as per the thinking which is going in. The way he bats, his technique is good and plays well, takes time to get in and play his shots. So chances are being given to players like him and time is ripe to get more young players in the Test side who can turn out to be lambi race ka ghoda (ones for the long haul),” said Mishra.

The opening Test against the West Indies will be at Ahmedabad from October 2 onwards.