Karun Nair on Thin Ice After Wasting Big Chance at Lord's
Karun Nair's comeback to the Indian Test side following over seven years hasn't gone as he would have desired. In the third Test against England at Lord's, Karun again couldn't convert a good start into a big score. Batting at number 3, he was all set at the crease but got out after scoring 40 runs. Joe Root caught him sharply in the first slip to see him return to the pavilion.
This is not the first time Karun has failed to make an impression after his return. Prior to the first Test of the series in Leeds, Karun had last represented India in 2017. After impressing with his showings in County cricket as well as in India's domestic competition, Karun made a comeback into the playing XI. But in the Leeds Test, his comeback began on a downward curve as he was dismissed for a duck in the first innings. In the second innings, he made only 20 runs while batting at number six.
In the following Edgbaston match, Karun was promoted up the order, replacing Sai Sudharsan at number 3. Once again, he received starts but could not continue, scoring 31 and 26 in two innings. These were not enough, particularly at a crucial batting position.
Many speculated about Nair being rested for the Lord's Test, but management showed trust on him and named him in India's XI for the match. Now in the Lord's Test, despite scoring 40 runs, which is also the second highest Test score of Nair after 303*, doubts still persist regarding his position in the team. With Sai Sudharsan
Also Read | Cricket Fraternity Hails Jasprit Bumrah After Maiden Five-For at Lord’s
Karun Nair's Score in Tests
| Runs | Balls | Innigs | Against | Venue | Date |
| 303* | 381 | 2 | England | Chennai | 16 Dec 2016 |
| 40 | 62 | 2 | England | Lord's | 10 Jul 2025 |
| 31 | 50 | 1 | England | Birmingham | 2 Jul 2025 |
| 26 | 46 | 3 | England | Birmingham | 2 Jul 2025 |
| 26 | 39 | 1 | Australia | Bengaluru | 4 Mar 2017 |
| 23 | 47 | 2 | Australia | Ranchi | 16 Mar 2017 |
| 20 | 54 | 3 | England | Leeds | 20 Jun 2025 |
| 13 | 18 | 2 | England | Wankhede | 8 Dec 2016 |
| 5 | 16 | 2 | Australia | Dharamsala | 25 Mar 2017 |
| 4 | 4 | 2 | England | Mohali | 26 Nov 2016 |
| 0 | 4 | 1 | England | Leeds | 20 Jun 2025 |
| 0 | 1 | 3 | Australia | Bengaluru | 4 Mar 2017 |
Sudharsan was given his Test debut in the opening Test in Leeds. Although he underperformed in the first Test, he has been playing well of late and also has experience at County level. In case Karun fails once again, the team may reintroduce Sudharsan into the side as the number 3 batter.