Karun Nair returned to the Indian team for the first time in eight years, joining the squad for the upcoming Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. However, the Vidarbha batter’s comeback has not been ideal, as he has failed to perform to his full capacity in the three Tests thus far.
Nair scored a duck in the opening innings of the first Test in Headingley, Leeds. However, since that glitch, the right-handed batter has produced good results every time he has batted. His top score in the series is 40, achieved in the first innings of the third Test at Lord’s.
The 33-year-old appeared in command in the first innings at the Home of Cricket, striking four boundaries in his 40-run knock off 62 balls. However, just as he looked set for a big score, he was bowled by Ben Stokes when Joe Root pulled a stunner in the slip cordon.
India’s second innings started in the final portions of Day 4. They needed 193 runs to take a 2-1 lead in the five-match series. However, Jofra Archer responded by taking Yashasvi Jaiswal’s wicket for the second time in the Test match. Nair joined KL Rahul in the middle, and the two right-handed bats held the ship together nicely. Nair appeared to be in command of the crease throughout his time there.
However, as Stumps approached, he shouldered arms to a delivery from Brydon Carse, which came in with an angle from the right-arm seamer over the wicket and thudded the back knee. After a quick discussion with Rahul, Nair took the correct decision not to go up for review. Replays revealed that the ball had crashed onto the off-stump. Nair scored 14 off 33 balls, deceiving yet again.
He has got six chances to repay the faith shown in him by the selectors, but hasn’t been able to cement his place with a notable performance. Some fans have suggested that Sai Sudharsan, who was dropped after the first Test, should be brought back into the side for the fourth Test in place of the 33-year-old.
Here’s a look at how fans reacted after Karun Nair’s dismissal in second innings of Lord’s Test:
In each of the 6 innings he has played, Karun Nair never looked like a test player, he lacked technique and batted like a lower order batter.
Clearly times up for him unless the team management is too generous with him. pic.twitter.com/IDOHFika9P
— Vinay Kumar Dokania (@VinayDokania) July 13, 2025
I think Karun Nair can’t complain now that he hasn’t been given enough chances.. he just hasn’t looked the part.
— Arun Krishnan 🇮🇳 (@ArunKrishnan_) July 13, 2025
Karun Nair should be dropped now
They are wasting Sai Sudarshan & Dhruv Jurel for him.
Sarfaraz too needs to be back in home test series.
— Mathemetically Physicist. (@mathemerizing19) July 13, 2025
With all due respect but Karun Nair needs to play with more responsibility going forward.
That was a shambolic way to get out.#ENGvIND
— BeardedDragon (@yashasva) July 13, 2025
Karun Nair never looks settled at the pitch. Always gives the impression that he can get out anytime. Enough is enough! #INDvENG
— Mavarick (@Nocternal_Ghost) July 13, 2025
I think curtains are down on Karun Nair’s test career. 6 chances and couldnt capitalise.
He is nearly 34 and there are younger players waiting.
— Sumit (@Half_Fri) July 13, 2025
Karun Nair looks as solid as rock until suddenly he does not. Lack of concentration each time?
— Shreya (@shreyamatsharma) July 13, 2025
Dear Cricket Please Don’t Give Him Second Chance.
– Kitne chance loge Karun Nair bhai? 🥲pic.twitter.com/QL2njvY9EV
— Sports Wala (@sp0rtswala) July 13, 2025
That was embarrassing… Yeahh that should be it for Karun Nair… pic.twitter.com/6CxfifDhGu
— Aashish🔰 (@Aashish_Shukla7) July 13, 2025
Karun Nair throwing away his wicket every innings as if he don’t belong international cricket.
— Mathmagician (@NaniPruthviraj) July 13, 2025
BCCI ignored Shreyas Iyer, just to bring back Karun Nair in Test 🤐
Meanwhile, Karun Nair vs ENG 🏴 :
1st Test – 0 & 20
2nd Test – 31 & 26
3rd Test – 40 & 14 pic.twitter.com/NIaHCnHEFU
— Richard Kettleborough (@RichKettle07) July 13, 2025
– Debuted for India in Test cricket.
– Scored a triple century.
– Got dropped.
– Asked for a second chance.
– Got a second chance after 8 years.
– Proved why he was dropped despite scoring a triple century.
– Left.
Karun Nair 🗿🗿 pic.twitter.com/CoEFbiw3qL
— TukTuk Academy (@TukTuk_Academy) July 13, 2025
Karun Nair : Dear Cricket give me one more chance.
Cricket rn: pic.twitter.com/prplGm3hct
— Abhishek (@MSDianAbhiii) July 13, 2025
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