Karun Nair Faces Uncertain Future After Struggles in Test Series Against England

Karun Nair's Return to International Cricket

Karun Nair's return to international cricket has not unfolded as he had hoped. The right-handed batsman is currently part of the Indian squad competing in a five-match Test series against England.

A Remarkable Comeback

Nair's inclusion in the Test team followed a series of impressive performances in domestic cricket. He had not participated in a Test match since 2017, making his comeback in May this year after an eight-year hiatus.

During the 2024-25 domestic season, Nair had an outstanding run while playing for Vidarbha, amassing significant runs in both the Ranji Trophy and the Vijay Hazare Trophy. He scored 863 runs at an impressive average of 53.93, contributing to Vidarbha's Ranji Trophy victory. In the 50-over format, he achieved five centuries in just eight innings, boasting an average of 389.50.

Struggles in the Test Series

Despite his strong domestic form, Nair has struggled to make an impact in the ongoing Test series against England. He has participated in all three Tests thus far but has not delivered the expected results with the bat. In his first Test innings since 2017, he was dismissed for a duck, followed by a mere 20 runs in the second innings during India's loss in the first Test at Leeds.

Although India secured a win in the second Test at Edgbaston, Nair's performance remained lackluster, scoring 31 and 26 in both innings. His struggles continued in the third Test, where he managed only 40 runs in the first innings and was dismissed for 14 in the second.

Potential Replacement on the Horizon

Given Nair's disappointing performances, speculation about his place in the team has intensified. Critics are suggesting that he may be dropped for the fourth Test in Manchester.

With uncertainty surrounding Nair's position, Abhimanyu Easwaran is reportedly the leading candidate to take his place. Easwaran, who is part of the Test squad but has yet to make his debut, boasts an impressive first-class record, having played 103 matches and scored 7,841 runs, including 27 centuries and 31 half-centuries.