The IND vs ENG Test series in 2025 has been a rollercoaster of emotions for cricket fans, with England leading 2-1 as the teams head into the crucial fourth Test at Old Trafford, Manchester, starting July 23. One of the biggest talking points ahead of this IND vs ENG clash is the uncertain future of India’s middle-order batter Karun Nair, whose performances have sparked a heated debate among former cricketers and analysts. With India desperate to level the series, the team management faces tough decisions on the playing XI, particularly regarding Nair’s place at No. 3. This article delves into the IND vs ENG narrative, analyzing Nair’s struggles, expert opinions, and the strategic choices India might make to turn the tide in this Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series.
Karun Nair’s Comeback: A Tale of Grit and Missed Opportunities
Karun Nair’s return to the Indian Test team after an eight-year hiatus was nothing short of inspiring. His viral tweet in December 2022, “Dear cricket, give me one more chance,” resonated with fans, and his domestic exploits—863 runs in Vidarbha’s Ranji Trophy triumph and a staggering 779 runs at an average of 389.50 in the Vijay Hazare Trophy—earned him a spot in the IND vs ENG series. Nair’s double century against England Lions further solidified his case, marking a triumphant return to the Test fold. However, the IND vs ENG series has not been the fairytale he hoped for.
In six innings across the first three Tests, Nair has managed just 131 runs at an average of 21.83, with a highest score of 40. His scores—0, 20, 31, 26, 40, and 14—reflect a pattern of starts without conversions, a point of frustration for both Nair and the team management. In the first IND vs ENG Test at Headingley, Nair, batting at No. 6, fell for a four-ball duck in the first innings and scored 20 in the second, unable to capitalize on India’s strong batting performance. At Edgbaston, where India secured a historic 336-run victory, Nair’s 31 and 26 showed promise but lacked the substance needed to cement his spot. The third IND vs ENG Test at Lord’s was particularly damaging, where a lapse in concentration led to his dismissal for 14 in the second innings, leaving a straight ball that handed England a crucial advantage in their 22-run victory.
Expert Opinions: Should Nair Stay or Go?
The debate over Nair’s place in the IND vs ENG playing XI has divided cricketing experts. Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar has been vocal about his reservations, arguing that Nair is not suited for the No. 3 position. “Karun Nair is not a number-three player in my book. I would like to see Sai Sudharsan at number three,” Manjrekar said, emphasizing the need to invest in younger talent like Sudharsan, who debuted in the first Test but was dropped to accommodate all-rounder Washington Sundar. Manjrekar’s point is that while Nair’s experience is valuable, his inability to convert starts in the IND vs ENG series raises questions about his suitability in a high-pressure role.
Deep Dasgupta echoes this sentiment, highlighting Nair’s discomfort against England’s pace and seam movement. “It’s not like Nair hasn’t made runs. He has got starts but hasn’t converted them into big scores. He also didn’t look very comfortable while batting,” Dasgupta noted. He advocates for Sudharsan, a 23-year-old left-hander, arguing that investing in a younger player could yield long-term benefits, especially with two Tests remaining in the IND vs ENG series. Dasgupta’s perspective is rooted in the belief that Sudharsan’s exposure to English conditions could prepare him for future tours.
On the other hand, former India spinner Anil Kumble supports retaining Nair for the fourth IND vs ENG Test. “I don’t want to make too many changes because India have played a fantastic game. He (Nair) certainly keeps his place,” Kumble said, citing India’s competitive performance despite the narrow loss at Lord’s. Kumble’s stance reflects a preference for continuity, especially given the team’s strong showing in the second Test, where Shubman Gill’s twin centuries and Akash Deep’s 10-wicket haul powered India to victory.
Ravi Shastri, however, pointed out a critical error in Nair’s batting at Lord’s. “At 40/1, I thought that was a huge lapse in concentration from Karun Nair to leave a straight ball, a nothing ball, to open the door for England,” Shastri remarked on the ICC Review. This moment, where Nair’s misjudgment cost India momentum, has fueled calls for a change in the IND vs ENG lineup.
Strategic Considerations for India
With the IND vs ENG series on the line, India’s team management, led by head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Shubman Gill, faces a pivotal decision. Dropping Nair could signal a shift towards youth, with Sai Sudharsan or Abhimanyu Easwaran as potential replacements. Sudharsan, who scored 30 in his only innings in the first Test, showed composure before being sidelined for team balance. Easwaran, a consistent domestic performer, is another option, particularly after Michael Vaughan suggested Nair’s campaign might be over following Lord’s.
However, India’s strategy in the IND vs ENG series has leaned heavily on all-rounders to provide depth. The inclusion of Washington Sundar and Nitish Kumar Reddy alongside Ravindra Jadeja in the second Test allowed India to field three all-rounders, a move that paid dividends at Edgbaston. This approach could influence the decision to retain Nair, as dropping him for a specialist batter might disrupt the balance. Additionally, Jasprit Bumrah’s return after missing the second Test strengthens India’s bowling, potentially allowing them to experiment with an extra spinner like Kuldeep Yadav, who could exploit Old Trafford’s spin-friendly conditions in the latter stages.
The Road Ahead for Nair and India
Nair’s journey in the IND vs ENG series is a microcosm of the challenges faced by comeback players. His resilience in domestic cricket, including a double century against Glamorgan in the County Championship and a triple century against England in 2016, showcases his talent. Yet, the pressure of international cricket, especially in England’s seaming conditions, has exposed vulnerabilities. At 33, Nair is at a crossroads—another failure could see him replaced, while a big score could silence critics and secure his spot for the fifth Test at The Oval.
For India, the fourth IND vs ENG Test is a do-or-die moment. Shubman Gill’s leadership, backed by his 601 runs in five innings, including a historic 269 and 161 at Edgbaston, has been a beacon of hope. Ravindra Jadeja’s all-round contributions and Akash Deep’s emergence as a potent pacer further bolster India’s chances. However, the team must address lapses like Nair’s at Lord’s and ensure their top order fires to counter England’s Bazball approach, led by Ben Stokes and Joe Root.
In Summary
The IND vs ENG fourth Test at Old Trafford is a defining moment for both Karun Nair and India. While Nair’s domestic form earned him a deserved recall, his struggles in the series have put his place under scrutiny. Experts are split, with some advocating for youth and others for continuity, but the final call rests with Gambhir and Gill. As India aim to level the series and keep their World Test Championship hopes alive, the decision on Nair could shape the outcome of this thrilling IND vs ENG contest. Fans await a gripping battle, with Nair’s fate and India’s fortunes hanging in the balance.
