Nair to join squad in Lanka

 Karnataka’s Karun Nair has been called upon to join the Indian cricket team in Sri Lanka after its injury-ravaged series took a turn for the worse when opener Murali Vijay was ruled out.

“This is a dream come true for me,” said Nair, who is in Wayanad as part of India ‘A’ squad. “I've been waiting for this chance eagerly. I'm lost for words,” he added.

The message of selection was conveyed to Nair by none other than Rahul Dravid, the India ‘A’ coach. “Mr. Rahul Dravid came and conveyed the message to me. That was also something special.”

Nair’s match-saving hundred against South Africa ‘A’ perhaps won him the selectors’ nod. Going in as a replacement for Vijay means, Nair may have to open the innings which he said he was prepared for.

“I have been batting really well for some time now. I think I'm ready to play at the top level. I am ready to bat at any position that the team asks me to and that includes opening also.”

Vijay, who missed the opening Test after failing to recover from a right hamstring injury, scored an attacking 82 in the ongoing Test and even fielded during Sri Lanka’s chase on Sunday. However, the BCCI sent out a statement late in the day, saying Vijay has been ruled out of the third Test.

“Vijay has sustained mild reoccurrence on his pre existing injury in his right hamstring and would need further strength training to recover completely,” said the BCCI release.

India were hit with another injury blow when Wriddhiman Saha failed to recover from lower right hamstring strain. The 30-year-old retired hurt while batting on 5 but resumed his innings later when R Ashwin was dismissed.

Saha, however, didn't don the gloves during Sri Lanka’s second innings with KL Rahul doing the duty.  Madhya Pradesh’s Naman Ojha has been named as his replacement.