As India trail 1-2 in the present five-match Test series against England, many former cricketers and fans have questioned Karun Nair’s disappointing performance at No. 3. Former India wicketkeeper Farokh Engineer has criticised Nair and urged team management to reconsider their lineup ahead of the must-win fourth Test in Manchester on July 23.
Nair, who fought his way back into the Indian Test team after an eight-year absence with a standout 2024-25 local season, has yet to match that form on the international stage. The 33-year-old scored 863 runs in the Ranji Trophy, followed by 779 runs in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. However, in three Tests against England, the batsman has scored only 131 runs at an average of 21.83, with a top score of 40. Despite having good starts in a few innings, he has been unable to convert them into large scores.
“Karun Nair has been getting fantastic 20s and 30s. He (Nair) has scored exquisite 30 runs, beautiful cover drives, and so on. However, a lovely 30 is not expected from a No. 3. You have to get a not-so-appealing 100. You need runs on the scoreboard. You need to score higher. “The expectations should be much higher,” the engineer told TOI.
We should choose the best XI: Farokh Engineer.
The former stated that the No. 3 spot necessitates consistent performance, fighting power, and the ability to pitch deep innings. With India trying to level the series, the former urged selectors and team management to present the best XI possible, including the return of Sai Sudharsan, who played in the first Test and scored 30 in the second innings. The southpaw was benched in favour of another all-around option.
“We should choose the best XI. I have not seen much of Sai Sudharsan. You have to choose the best player for the time being. Who is going to provide you the maximum? You’re playing for your country. Your reputation is at stake. So, I’d say forget about age. “If he’s good, play him to win the Test match,” he said.
Meanwhile, India assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate criticised Nair’s lack of huge runs but justified the batter’s inclusion in the squad.
“We feel that Karun’s rhythm and tempo are good. We want more runs from all three. But the message is mostly, “Let’s focus on what we’ve done well and clean up the little things that have cost us results,” Ryan ten Doeschate explained.
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