Injury Scare for Karun Nair Ahead of England Test Series

Team India is facing an injury scare as veteran batter Karun Nair was hit on the ribcage during practice ahead of the first Test against England. Despite the incident, reports indicate that his injury is not serious, and he is expected to be fit for the match. Nair's return to the Test squad comes after a seven-year absence, following impressive performances in domestic cricket. His experience and adaptability could be crucial for India's batting lineup against England's bowling attack. Read on for more details about Nair's injury and his recent form.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 19, 2025, 16:39 IST

Karun Nair's Injury Concern

Team India faced an injury scare as veteran batter Karun Nair sustained a blow to his ribcage during a practice session prior to the first Test against England in Leeds on June 20.

Karun was recently included in the 18-member squad for the five-match Test series against England. At 33 years old, he is making a return to the Indian team after a seven-year hiatus. Following his remarkable triple century in Tests, he had been overlooked by selectors since 2017, despite his consistent performances in domestic cricket, particularly in the Ranji Trophy.

With the retirement of prominent players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, Karun finally secured a spot in the Indian Test squad, largely due to his impressive domestic performances for Vidarbha. The Karnataka-born cricketer is now one of the senior members of the 18-player squad.

Details of the Injury Incident

Karun Nair’s Injury Concern

As Team India prepares for the first Test against England, an injury scare emerged when Karun Nair was struck on the ribcage while facing Prasidh Krishna's bowling in the nets. The veteran batter was attempting to face a bouncer from his former Karnataka teammate.

Unfortunately, Nair missed the ball, resulting in a hit to his right ribcage. Prasidh immediately approached him to check on his condition, as Nair appeared to be in discomfort. Bowling coach Morne Morkel signaled for the physios to attend to Nair, who left the nets after facing a delivery from Akash Deep.

🚨 The incident when Karun Nair was hit at the nets by @prasidh43 yesterday at Headingley.pic.twitter.com/WQHje79ZMl

— Rohan Chowdhury (@RohanDC98) June 19, 2025

Reports from RevzSport indicate that Nair's injury is not severe, and he is expected to recover in time for the first Test against England. His inclusion in the playing XI could mark his return to Test cricket after eight years, with his last appearance being against Australia in Dharamshala in 2017.

Karun Nair's Domestic Performance

Karun Nair has made a strong case for selection with his recent domestic performances, particularly in the Ranji Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy. In the 2024/25 Ranji Trophy season, he played a pivotal role in Vidarbha's victory over first-time finalists Kerala, scoring 863 runs, including four centuries and two fifties, at an average of 53.93 across nine matches.

County and India A Contributions

Karun Nair’s County and India A Performances Prove Vital

In addition to his domestic success, Karun Nair has also competed in the County Championship, representing Northamptonshire for two seasons. He accumulated 736 runs at an impressive average of 56.61 over these two seasons. Last season, he notably scored 487 runs, including a double century against Glamorgan, averaging 48 in 11 innings.

Before the Test series against England, Nair demonstrated his form and adaptability to English conditions during two unofficial Tests against England Lions, scoring 259 runs, including a double century, at an average of 86.33 in three innings.

Given his experience in the County Championship and his ability to adjust to English conditions, Karun Nair is poised to be a crucial asset in India's top or middle order, providing stability against England's relatively inexperienced bowling attack in the upcoming Test series.