By Rohit - Jul 15, 2025 01:14 PM
It took eight years for Karun Nair to make a return to the Indian Test team, but just three matches into his comeback, the narrative is already shifting from redemption to farewell.
After scoring heavily in domestic cricket and kickstarting his England tour with a promising double century against England Lions, Nair’s return raised hopes. However, his performance in the actual Test series has been underwhelming, to say the least.
In the three Tests against England at Headingley , Edgbaston , and Lord’s , Nair has managed just 131 runs at an average below 22, raising serious questions about his place in the squad for the final Test at Old Trafford starting July 23.
While Karun Nair hasn’t looked entirely out of place, facing 249 deliveries in total, there has been a visible struggle against quality pace and seam movement. Against bowlers like Chris Woakes, Nair looked relatively comfortable. But when up against genuine pace from Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse , his technique appeared vulnerable.
| Match | Venue | Innings | Runs Scored | Balls Faced | Dismissal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Test | Headingley | 1st | 27 | 48 | Caught |
| - | - | 2nd | 18 | 41 | LBW |
| 2nd Test | Edgbaston | 1st | 33 | 56 | Caught Behind |
| - | - | 2nd | 11 | 32 | Bowled |
| 3rd Test | Lord’s | 1st | 21 | 38 | Caught |
| - | - | 2nd | 21 | 34 | Bowled |
| Total | - | - | 131 | 249 | - |
| Batting Average | 21.83 |
Former India selector Devang Gandhi explained the technical flaw:
“Karun’s trigger movement is a bit late. His front foot is often still in the air when the ball is released. Against quicker bowlers, that delay makes it hard to adjust, especially if you need to go on the backfoot quickly.”
Despite his hard work at the crease, the lack of big runs has been a glaring issue. Save for his first innings at Leeds, Nair hasn't converted any of his starts into meaningful contributions.
India’s Test team management, led by Gautam Gambhir and captain Shubman Gill, had given Nair a fair opportunity, likely viewing this series as a "now or never" moment for the 33-year-old.
However, the emergence of Sai Sudharsan, who made his debut at Leeds and looked composed with a gritty 30 in the second innings, has further intensified the scrutiny on Nair.
Both Devang Gandhi and Deep Dasgupta have voiced their support for investing in youth:
“You have to look at the future,” said Dasgupta. “Karun is nearing 34, and Sai is just 21. If you’ve already decided to invest in him, give him the chance to grow.”
While it’s too early to write off a player of Nair’s calibre, who once scored a triple century in Test cricket, the signs are clear. The selectors and team management may now lean towards grooming the next generation, especially with a long-term vision in mind.
Unless there’s a last-minute change of heart or a fitness issue forces a reshuffle, the Old Trafford Test may very well go ahead without Karun Nair in the XI. And if that happens, his third Test at Lord’s could quietly go down as his final appearance in an Indian jersey.
The game is as much about timing as it is about talent. Karun Nair had all the right ingredients, but a late technical adjustment, lack of big scores, and rising competition may have brought his Test journey to an unfortunate end, unless fate throws him one last opportunity.
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