Karun Nair’s comeback to the Indian Test team after more than seven years has not gone as hoped in the IND vs ENG 3rd Test at Lord’s in 2025. The 33-year-old batter, playing at number 3, once again failed to turn a good start into a big score. In India’s first innings at Lord’s, Nair scored 40 runs before Joe Root took a stunning catch in the slips to dismiss him. As time runs out for Karun Nair, his performance in the second innings could decide his future in the Indian team during the IND vs ENG 3rd Test at Lord’s.
Karun Nair returned to the Indian Test team in 2025 after a long gap since his last appearance in 2017. His comeback was built on strong performances in domestic cricket and County Championship games. However, the IND vs ENG 3rd Test at Lord’s showed that Nair is struggling to make a mark. He started well, playing with confidence and scoring 40 runs off 62 balls. His innings included some crisp shots, like cover drives and boundaries off Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse. Yet, a moment of bad luck came when he edged a ball from Ben Stokes, and Joe Root’s brilliant catch ended his stay at the crease. This dismissal added to Nair’s list of missed chances in the IND vs ENG 3rd Test at Lord’s.
Before the IND vs ENG 3rd Test at Lord’s, Nair’s return to the Indian team started in the first Test at Leeds. Batting at number 6, he had a disappointing start, getting out for a duck in the first innings. In the second innings, he scored 20 runs off 54 balls, but it wasn’t enough to make a strong case. In the second Test at Edgbaston, Nair was moved up to number 3, replacing Sai Sudharsan. Despite getting starts of 31 and 26, he failed to convert them into big scores, letting down the team in the IND vs ENG series. Now, in the IND vs ENG 3rd Test at Lord’s, his 40-run knock showed promise but ended too soon, raising questions about his place in the team.
Karun Nair's top two innings in test:
-303(381)*
-40(62) pic.twitter.com/5WfSvG72h0— TukTuk Academy (@TukTuk_Academy) July 11, 2025
India has young players like Sai Sudharsan waiting for a chance to take the number 3 spot. Sudharsan, who debuted in the first Test at Leeds, has shown good form in domestic cricket and County Championship matches. Despite a poor performance in Leeds, where he scored 0 and 30, his recent success makes him a strong candidate to replace Nair. Additionally, players like Abhimanyu Easwaran are also in the squad, adding more competition. For Nair, the IND vs ENG 3rd Test at Lord’s is a critical moment. His second innings could be his last chance to prove he belongs in the Indian Test team.
In the IND vs ENG 3rd Test at Lord’s, Nair faced tough bowling from England’s pacers, including Jofra Archer, who returned to Test cricket after four years. Archer welcomed Nair with a 151 kmph bouncer, testing his skills early. Nair handled the pressure well for a while, playing with soft hands and scoring boundaries. However, his dismissal came when he played away from his body, edging a ball to Root. Former India player Cheteshwar Pujara pointed out that Nair’s habit of staying stuck in the crease might be causing these errors. This technical issue could hurt his chances in the IND vs ENG 3rd Test at Lord’s if not fixed.
Karun Nair earned his Test comeback through outstanding domestic performances. In the 2024–25 Ranji Trophy, he scored 863 runs in 16 innings, including four centuries, at an average of 53.93. In the Vijay Hazare Trophy, he topped the charts with 779 runs in eight innings, averaging an incredible 389.50 with five centuries. Additionally, he scored a double hundred in a tour game against England Lions. Despite this form, Nair has not been able to replicate it in the IND vs ENG 3rd Test at Lord’s or the earlier Tests. His scores of 0, 20, 31, 26, and 40 show he’s getting starts but not converting them.
Karun Nair’s comeback story in the IND vs ENG 3rd Test at Lord’s has been a mix of hope and disappointment. His 40-run knock showed he can play well, but his failure to score big is putting his spot in danger. With young players like Sai Sudharsan ready to step in, Nair’s second innings in the IND vs ENG 3rd Test at Lord’s will be crucial. As time runs out for the comeback star, he needs to find a way to turn his starts into match-defining scores to stay in the Indian Test team.
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