Karun Nair’s Test comeback has been anything but smooth. In the ongoing five-match series, the right-handed batter has managed just 131 runs from three games, averaging slightly over 21. While he’s shown glimpses of his talent, he hasn’t been able to convert his starts into big scores—something that’s drawn criticism from fans and experts alike. Yet, despite the growing pressure, it looks like the team management is ready to back him for at least one more game.
Aakash Chopra Urges One More Chance at No. 3
Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra spoke about Nair’s form on his YouTube channel and urged the selectors and Gautam Gambhir to give the batter another shot at No. 3.
“There’s definitely a debate around the No. 3 spot. Karun hasn’t done enough to lock it down, but he hasn’t looked completely out of form either. I’d still be tempted to play him one more time because chances like these don’t come often,” Chopra said.
Shubman Gill Backs Nair Despite Criticism
India’s skipper Shubman Gill also threw his weight behind Nair during a press conference ahead of the fourth Test. “Yes, we’ve spoken to him. We feel he’s batting well. In the first match, he wasn’t at No. 3, and it’s always tough for someone trying to make a comeback in a high-intensity series like this. He just needs that one solid innings to get going,” Gill said.
He added, “The way he’s batting, it’s just a matter of getting that first fifty. Once that happens, he can get back in rhythm and start scoring big.”
India’s Likely XI for the Fourth Test
India lost the third Test by 22 runs in a nail-biting finish on Day 5. Ravindra Jadeja remained unbeaten on 61, fighting hard with the tail, but Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj couldn’t hold on under pressure.
Going into the fourth Test, with Nitish Kumar Reddy and Akash Deep both ruled out due to injury, India is expected to include both Sai Sudharsan and Karun Nair in the XI—similar to the combination they used at Headingley.
For Nair, this could be a make-or-break opportunity. Another failure might close the door, but a gritty knock could reignite his Test career.
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