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As the India team prepares to take on England in the fourth Test at Old Trafford in Manchester, all indications suggest that the team may stick with an unchanged playing XI. While stability has its merits, one decision continues to raise eyebrows — the continued backing of Karun Nair at No. 3.
Nair, once celebrated for his historic triple century against England in 2016, has struggled to replicate that brilliance in his second stint with the national side. Since his return to the Test fold, his performances have been underwhelming, with scores of 0, 20, 31, 26, 40, and 14 — flashes of promise, but far from the consistency India needs from such a crucial batting position.
Despite these modest returns, the Indian team management has opted to show faith in Nair, hoping he can find his rhythm and repay their trust. The decision, however, comes at a time when the team’s top-order fragility has been exposed under English conditions — where batting time, seeing off the new ball, and building partnerships have become the need of the hour.
Many observers believe that more technically equipped and temperamentally suited batters like Abhimanyu Easwaran or Sai Sudarshan might be better choices for the role.
Yet, for now, Nair retains the confidence of the team leadership. Perhaps it’s a call for continuity, or perhaps it’s one last show of faith in a player who once promised so much. Either way, with the series hanging in the balance, the spotlight on Nair has never been brighter.
The logic behind Nair’s secured spot in the playing XI seems to stem from his strong domestic season leading up to the series. However, if recent domestic form is the key selection criterion, then Abhimanyu Easwaran presents an even stronger case. For several seasons now, Easwaran has been one of the most consistent performers in the Indian domestic circuit — churning out runs across formats and conditions with remarkable discipline.
By that measure, persisting with Nair despite his lack of returns at the international level raises questions about selection fairness. It suggests that Nair is being afforded a degree of patience and backing that not every fringe player enjoys — what some may see as preferential treatment from the team management.
This isn’t to say Nair lacks talent — his triple century remains etched in Indian cricket folklore — but the message it sends to other domestic stalwarts like Easwaran or even someone like Sai is debatable. If performance in the domestic grind doesn’t translate into opportunities at the highest level, especially when the current incumbent isn’t firing, then the value of that hard work risks being diminished.
At a time when the team desperately needs solidity and resilience at No. 3, the management’s decision to persist with Nair over more consistent domestic performers is bound to spark debate — both within and outside the dressing room.
He has not failed entirely. Had some good starts but failed to capitalize on them. Probably, a big score is around the corner?
Karun deserves a fair run ,the team must have seen something in him beyond the runs . He has not looked out of sorts ,has steadied the ship at times ,sure he will come good .
It’s ok… Let the captain do his job….
Good reporting
Karun Nair still playing for the 4th test amazes me! atleast we should try our other young lads!
if that so then it would be pure injustice for the players like Easwaran & Sarfaraz khan…After consecutive failures if Nair gets another chance that means he has backing & rest board are not fair…
He should be given a chance for this series. Questions should be raised about the balance of the team while selecting it. Two top-order batters in Sudarshan and Easwaran and selecting neither. Think Ruturaj Gaikwad should be picked after this series