New Delhi: What could have been a career-reviving series for Karun Nair’s Test career turned out to be a forgetful one for the senior batter as he failed to make the most of it despite being backed consistently by the team management. Nair was offered a lifeline to save his India career when he was handed his Test comeback after years on the back of his impressive show in the domestic circuit.
However, the 33-year-old could only amass 205 runs in 4 Tests, failing to cement his spot in the team. The expectations were high from the senior batter, who headed into the England Test series on the back of a purple patch in the domestic circuit and a strong double ton in India A’s tour match against England Lions.
However, he failed to replicate his heroics in the Test series against the hosts. On Saturday, Nair was dismissed cheaply on 17 in his final outing of the series during India’s second innings of the ongoing 5th Test against England at The Oval, marking an end to his dismal campaign. Nair was hit on the gloves on the very first ball he faced from pacer Gus Atkinson and looked uncomfortable thereafter.
Atkinson eventually undone him with a short ball as he ended up getting caught by wicket-keeper Jamie Smith after edging one to him. Earlier in the first innings, Nair scored a gritty 57 under pressure to bail India out of trouble and had a chance to redeem himself with a big knock. However, he failed to do so and finished the series with 205 runs at a disappointing average of 25.62.
Nair started the series on a disappointing note with a duck and 20 in the two innings of the 1st Test in Leeds, but was backed by Gautam Gambhir & Co. as he was preferred over Sai Sudharsan in the second Test. He returned with scores of 31 and 26 at Edgbaston, disappointing again as India registered a mammoth victory to end England’s unbeaten run against them at the venue.
Nair got off to a good start at Lord’s but failed to convert as he was dismissed on 40 in India’s first innings of the third Test. He managed only 14 runs in the second innings before getting dropped from the playing XI. In the ongoing fifth Test at The Oval, Nair managed 57 and 17 in the two innings.
End of road for Karun Nair?
The expectations were high from Nair heading into the series, considering his exploits in the domestic circuit. However, things fell apart for the batter as the real test began. He looked far from confident throughout the series and struggled for rhythm. With many asking India to invest in younger players, keeping the long-term future in mind, it might be the end of the road for Nair in Tests.
At 33, Nair was offered an important opportunity to revive his career, but he didn’t seem to have done enough to convince the selectors and the team management to retain his place in the squad. However, it remains to be seen if the selectors and Gambhir will be willing to give the senior batter another chance to save his Test career.