India’s assistant coach, Ryan ten Doeschate, has strongly hinted that Karun Nair is unlikely to retain his spot at No. 3 for the upcoming fourth Test against England. With India trailing 1–2 in the ongoing five-match series, the team is facing intense pressure to strengthen its top-order batting.
Karun Nair’s Recent Form
Nair, who returned to the Indian Test side after nearly eight years, has so far scored 131 runs across six innings—averaging just over 21. Despite flashes of potential with scores of 31, 26, and 40, he has failed to convert starts into meaningful contributions.
His performances have come under scrutiny as India suffered batting collapses, losing six wickets for just 40 runs in two consecutive Tests—at both Headingley and Lord’s. The team’s inconsistency at the top has prompted calls for immediate changes.
Coach’s Assessment: “We Want More Runs”
Ryan ten Doeschate, India’s assistant coach, stated:
“Even someone like Karun, we feel his rhythm is good, his tempo is good. But we want more runs from the No. 3.”
This frank assessment suggests that while Nair has shown promise, his lack of big scores could cost him his place in the XI—especially with India needing to win both remaining matches to salvage the series and maintain their World Test Championship hopes.
Sai Sudharsan in Contention
The likely replacement is Sai Sudharsan, who impressed during India’s earlier matches and remains a top candidate to strengthen the top order. Former cricketer Deep Dasgupta also weighed in, stating that Sudharsan should come in if there’s only one change made to the squad.
With Sudharsan offering both form and flexibility, and another option in Abhimanyu Easwaran waiting in the wings, the pressure on Nair is enormous heading into the Manchester Test.
Team Scenario and Series Outlook
- India trails 1–2 in the five-match series
- Fourth Test begins July 23 in Manchester
- The final Test is scheduled at The Oval
- India must win both Tests to clinch the series
Karun Nair’s output, though stylistically solid, has not delivered in crunch moments. The series deficit and upcoming must-win match may force team management to reconsider their batting lineup.
Support and Criticism
While some former players like Gautam Gambhir and Mohammad Kaif have supported Nair’s inclusion, citing his technique and temperament, others feel time is running out.
A section of the cricketing community has also compared Nair’s situation to past comeback attempts by technically sound batters who couldn’t match team expectations in high-pressure series.
Final Take: One Test to Prove a Point?
- Total runs: 131
- Average: ~21.8
- Coach’s stance: Performance not matching team needs
- Replacement likely: Sai Sudharsan or Abhimanyu Easwaran
- Next match: 4th Test, July 23, Manchester
If picked for the fourth Test, it could be a final opportunity for Karun Nair to cement a spot in the Indian Test setup. Failure to perform may result in the end of his comeback run, as India looks to infuse fresh energy into the batting order.
Photo Credit: NDTV Sports
