It seemed that the special story of the return was on the cards when Karun Nair was named in the Indian team for a test tour of England. But after four tests and only 205 runs that showed up, the 33-year-old finds herself at the intersection again. Despite the strong domestic form and standout tour of the game, Nair’s return to the test arena ended in a unsatisfactory note.
Everything seemed to be right for him. Nair had the Star Season Trophy Ranji with Vidarbha and in his 863 ran 863 runs Campaign winning title. His performance brought him a place with Delhi’s capitals in IPL, where he showed the flashes of his class. More recently, he broke the commanding 204 in a tour match against the English lions in Canterbury, and there was hope that he had been ready to the highest level once again.
But as soon as the main series began, things disintegrated. Tried to find a rhythm or confidence. In an oval test, he had a good opportunity to calculate himself after reaching his fifty, but threw him away and did not show the ruthlessness of the required at this level.
Upset and out of synchronization
Nair’s release in the second exchange of the oval test summed up his series. Gus Atkinson’s short ball hit him on his first van and immediately rattled it. From that moment on he looked uncomfortable. The Yashasvi Jaiswal team was visibly frustrated and even talked to Nair that he did not pay attention to changes in the field.
His lack of urgency between the gates also contributed to tension. Jaiswal, who pushed the big score, looked poisoned on Nair’s unwillingness to run hard. It was a narrated sign that despite his home experience, the pressure of this opportunity could endanger him.
Fan frustration
Fans did not stay on social media. Many of them asked Nair’s place on the sideTo argue that it is time to invest in a younger player who can grow into a role. Sentiment is clear – the experience itself cannot be a metric for selection unless it goes to performance.
Is it the end of the journey of the red Karuna Naira ball? Or will the team leader led by Gautam Gambhir offer another chance in this World Championship cycle? When dust settles in this series, there are hard calls.
– ends
Published:
Amar Pancker
Published on:
August 2, 2025
