Karun Nair Shines in Fifth Test Against England with Gritty Fifty

In a thrilling fifth Test at The Oval, Karun Nair made a significant comeback for the Indian cricket team, scoring an unbeaten 52 under challenging conditions. His performance not only helped India reach a respectable score but also reignited discussions about his international career. With Shubman Gill's unfortunate run-out, Nair's resilience stood out, earning praise from former players. This innings marks a pivotal moment for Nair, who has faced challenges in recent matches. Read on to discover how he navigated the tough pitch and what this means for his future in cricket.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 1, 2025, 09:01 IST

Karun Nair's Comeback Performance

In the concluding Test match against England at The Oval, Indian captain Shubman Gill announced that Karun Nair would replace Shardul Thakur, reaffirming the team's strategy of fielding eight recognized batsmen. Throughout the five-match series, India has consistently opted for additional batting strength at the No. 8 position. With Rishabh Pant sidelined and Nitish Kumar Reddy unavailable, Nair's return was almost a certainty.

Despite having struggled to make a significant impact over six innings, leading to his exclusion from the Old Trafford Test—a decision seen as a potential end to his international career—Nair has repeatedly demonstrated his resilience.

Returning to the playing XI for this crucial fifth Test, Nair not only made his comeback but also became a beacon of hope for India. He ended Day 1 at The Oval unbeaten on 52, marking his first fifty-plus score in Tests since his remarkable unbeaten 303 against England in Chennai back in 2016, achieved under challenging circumstances.

The pitch at The Oval posed significant challenges for the visiting team, with its green surface and overcast skies creating constant seam movement. While many batsmen struggled to settle in, Nair remained composed, finding success at the No. 5 position after previously batting in various spots in the order.

Following the unfortunate run-out of Shubman Gill, Nair showcased his determination, scoring an unbeaten 52 off 98 balls, including seven boundaries, which helped India reach 204 for six at the end of the day. Former Indian wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik praised Nair's innings, emphasizing that it proved his international career is far from over.

"Well played, Karun Nair. That’s a high-quality fifty in real tough conditions. Karun Nair’s career is well and truly back. If he hadn’t played this Test, then the team management could well have looked beyond him," Karthik remarked during the commentary.