Best opportunity for us to give Karun chance: MSK Prasad

Chairman of selectors MSK Prasad today said that his panel thought it was the "best opportunity" to get Karun Nair back in the Test team rather than persisting with Rohit Sharma, who has flattered to deceive in the longest version.

Karun was back in the Indian team after slamming 600 plus runs in Ranji Trophy while limited overs vice-captain Rohit paid the price for his consistent run away from home in the longest format.

"This was the best opportunity for us to give Karun a chance because he's been doing well," Prasad replied when asked why Rohit had been omitted from the Test squad.

While no senior India player has been named in the A squad, Prasad said that Murali Vijay, Wriddhiman Saha, Mohammed Shami will play a four-day Test against West Indies A before playing the warm-up game against Essex, which will precede the first Test against England in August.

"We did discuss, had a meeting with Virat, Ravi and Rahul. Some of the Test specialists like Saha, Vijay and Shami will play the third India 'A' Test against West Indies A before playing the warm-up game against Essex and then the England Tests," Prasad said.

Prasad, a former India stumper, once again made it clear that Mahendra Singh Dhoni is the best wicketkeeper-batsman that India has at the moment.

Asked if the selectors have kept a pool ready, Prasad said: "Yes, we are working towards it. We have tried six wicketkeepers for India A during the past few months. We are rotating and preparing them for the next level."