The IND vs ENG Test series in 2025, known as the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, has been a rollercoaster of emotions, performances, and strategic decisions. As the series progresses to the fourth Test in Manchester, one name has sparked significant debate: Karun Nair. Former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has vocally supported the misfiring batter, arguing that Nair deserves a longer rope, just as players like Shubman Gill and KL Rahul have received in the past. This article delves into Nair’s performance, Harbhajan’s perspective, the team’s dynamics, and the broader context of the IND vs ENG series, exploring why Nair’s inclusion in the Manchester Test is a topic of contention.
Karun Nair’s Return to the IND vs ENG Arena
Karun Nair’s re-entry into the Indian Test squad for the IND vs ENG series marked a significant moment. After an eight-year hiatus from Test cricket, Nair was given a chance to reclaim his spot in a highly competitive batting lineup. His last Test appearance was in 2017, where he famously scored an unbeaten 303 against England in Chennai. However, his return in the 2025 IND vs ENG series has been far from triumphant. Across six innings, Nair has managed only 131 runs at an average of 21.83, with his highest score being a modest 40 in the first innings of the Lord’s Test.
Despite these underwhelming numbers, Nair has shown glimpses of potential. He has often gotten off to decent starts, displaying the technique and temperament required at the Test level, but has failed to convert these into substantial scores. This inconsistency has drawn criticism from fans and analysts alike, with some questioning his place in the XI, especially in a high-stakes IND vs ENG series where India trail 1-2 after three Tests.
Harbhajan Singh’s Case for Patience
Harbhajan Singh, a veteran of 103 Tests and a respected voice in Indian cricket, has emerged as a staunch supporter of Nair. In a video on his YouTube channel, Harbhajan argued that the team management should persist with Nair, drawing parallels with the extended opportunities given to Shubman Gill and KL Rahul during their lean patches. “Yes, Karun has not scored runs, but if you gave him a chance, then persist with him for a while. All players deserve a fair chance. Karun deserves it now, and the likes of Shubman Gill and KL Rahul deserved it in the past,” Harbhajan stated.
Harbhajan’s argument is rooted in the principle of equity. Gill, now the captain of the Indian side, struggled early in his Test career but was backed consistently, eventually blossoming into a prolific run-scorer with 607 runs in the IND vs ENG series at an average of 101.17. Similarly, KL Rahul, who has scored 375 runs at an average of 62.50 in the same series, was given ample opportunities to overcome his inconsistencies. Harbhajan questions why Nair, who has shown promise despite his failures, should not be afforded the same patience, especially in a crucial IND vs ENG encounter.
Harbhajan also critiqued the team’s decision to drop Sai Sudharsan after just one Test, suggesting that the management’s quick trigger with young players like Sudharsan contrasts sharply with their persistence with Nair thus far. “I feel that giving just one opportunity to Sai Sudharsan was not justified, but now that you have persisted with Karun till now, then play him here as well,” he added. This perspective highlights a broader issue in Indian cricket: the balance between nurturing talent and delivering results in high-pressure series like IND vs ENG.
The IND vs ENG Context: A Series on the Line
The IND vs ENG series has been fiercely competitive, with England leading 2-1 as the teams head to Manchester. The first Test at Headingley saw England chase down 371, thanks to Ben Duckett’s 149 and India’s six dropped catches. India bounced back emphatically in the second Test at Edgbaston, where Shubman Gill’s monumental 430 runs across both innings and Akash Deep’s 10-wicket haul secured a 336-run victory. However, the third Test at Lord’s saw India falter, losing by 22 runs while chasing 193, with Nair’s dismissal in the fourth innings proving a turning point.
With injuries to key players like Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Rishabh Pant, India face a must-win situation in Manchester to keep their hopes alive in the IND vs ENG series. The team’s bowling attack, led by Jasprit Bumrah, is under scrutiny due to workload management concerns, while the batting lineup needs stability. Nair’s role at No. 3 or No. 6 is pivotal, as India cannot afford another collapse like the one at Lord’s, where they lost 6 wickets for 31 runs in the second innings.
Nair’s Struggles in the IND vs ENG Series
Nair’s performances in the IND vs ENG series have been a mixed bag. In the first Test at Headingley, he scored 20 and 19, showing resilience but failing to capitalize on starts. At Edgbaston, he managed 31 and 26, with his second-innings dismissal to Brydon Carse being particularly costly as it disrupted a budding partnership with KL Rahul. In the third Test at Lord’s, Nair scored 40 in the first innings but fell for 14 in the fourth, shouldering arms to a nip-backer from Carse that proved to be a game-changer.
Critics argue that Nair’s inability to convert starts into big scores is a liability in a series as competitive as IND vs ENG. His slow scoring rate has also drawn flak, particularly in situations where India needed to accelerate, such as in the second innings at Headingley. However, defenders like Harbhajan point out that Nair has faced challenging bowling attacks, including Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse, and has often looked comfortable before losing his wicket to lapses in concentration or sharp deliveries.
The Case for Persisting with Nair
Harbhajan’s call to back Nair is not without merit. Nair’s technique against pace and spin is sound, and his ability to negotiate tough periods has been evident. In the IND vs ENG series, he has faced hostile spells from Archer, Carse, and Ben Stokes, often surviving testing phases only to fall short of a big score. His 40 at Lord’s, for instance, included a well-constructed innings against a moving ball, showcasing his potential to anchor the innings.
Moreover, Nair’s experience could be vital in Manchester, where conditions are likely to favor seam bowling. With injuries depleting India’s squad, dropping Nair for an untested player risks further instability. Former cricketer Sarandeep Singh has also backed Nair, arguing that his experience at No. 3 makes him a better bet than younger options like Sai Sudharsan. Mohammad Kaif echoed this sentiment, advising against “panic” changes to the XI after the Lord’s defeat.
Nair’s domestic record further bolsters his case. In the 2024/25 season, he averaged 664 with a strike rate of 120 in six innings, remaining not out in five, as noted by Harbhajan. While these stats are from domestic cricket, they indicate Nair’s form and hunger for runs, qualities that could translate into the IND vs ENG Test if given time to settle.
The Counterargument: Time for a Change?
Despite Harbhajan’s support, there are valid arguments for reconsidering Nair’s place. Posts on X suggest that Nair’s spot is in jeopardy, with some speculating that Sai Sudharsan could replace him in Manchester. Sudharsan, who debuted in the first Test but was dropped after one game, is seen as a promising talent who deserves more opportunities. Harbhajan himself acknowledged that dropping Sudharsan after one Test was unfair, highlighting the inconsistency in selection policies.
India’s batting lineup has relied heavily on Gill, Rahul, and Rishabh Pant, with the lower order struggling to contribute. Nair’s inability to provide stability at No. 3 or No. 6 has put additional pressure on the top order, particularly in a series like IND vs ENG, where England’s aggressive “Bazball” approach demands quick responses. With Kuldeep Yadav likely to be included as a second spinner to counter England’s batting, India may need to sacrifice a batter, and Nair could be the one to make way.
Strategic Considerations for Manchester
The Manchester Test is a do-or-die moment for India in the IND vs ENG series. The pitch at Old Trafford is expected to offer seam movement, making Bumrah’s inclusion critical despite workload concerns. Harbhajan has also pushed for Kuldeep Yadav’s inclusion, believing his wrist-spin could disrupt England’s aggressive batting. This could mean dropping a batter like Nitish Reddy, but Nair’s position remains under scrutiny.
Shubman Gill, as captain, faces a tough call. His own form has been exceptional, with 607 runs in three Tests, but his leadership decisions, such as underusing Mohammed Siraj in the first Test, have been questioned. Persisting with Nair could be a bold move to maintain continuity, but it risks fan backlash if he fails again. Conversely, bringing back Sudharsan or introducing a new face like Abhimanyu Easwaran could inject fresh energy but carries the risk of inexperience.
The Broader Picture: Building for the Future
Harbhajan’s advocacy for Nair reflects a broader philosophy of nurturing talent. The IND vs ENG series is not just about immediate results but also about building a team for the post-Kohli and Sharma era. With both stalwarts retired, India need players like Nair, Gill, and Rahul to step up. Nair’s experience, coupled with his domestic form, makes him a candidate worth investing in, but only if he can deliver under pressure.
The debate around Nair also underscores the challenges of selection in Indian cricket. The team’s depth is a strength, but it can lead to harsh decisions, as seen with Sudharsan’s exclusion. Balancing experience, form, and potential is a delicate task, and the IND vs ENG series is testing India’s ability to do so effectively.
Looking Forward
As India prepare for the fourth Test in Manchester, the spotlight is on Karun Nair. Harbhajan Singh’s call to give him a longer rope is a plea for fairness and patience, drawing on the successful examples of Shubman Gill and KL Rahul. While Nair’s performances in the IND vs ENG series have been underwhelming, his technique and domestic record suggest he has the potential to turn things around. However, with the series on the line and injuries forcing tough choices, the team management must weigh the risks of persisting with Nair against the benefits of fresh blood.
The Manchester Test will be a defining moment in the IND vs ENG series, and Nair’s inclusion—or exclusion—will shape India’s strategy and legacy. Whether he gets another chance to prove himself or makes way for a new face, the decision will reflect India’s approach to building a team capable of conquering England’s Bazball challenge.
