Three reasons why Karun Nair should play first Test match vs England

Indian cricket team are set to take on England in a five-match Test series that is set to begin on 20th June. The first match of the series will be played at the Headingley Stadium in Leeds. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s retirement has left India without two of their senior-most batters heading into the series. 

33-year-old Karun Nair is back in the national setup after more than seven years. The veteran batter has been one of the most consistent performers in the domestic set-up. With India losing their two batting stalwarts, the door opens for Karun Nair to make his long-awaited return in the playing XI.

The upcoming tour of England is also the start of the next cycle of World Test Championships. Ben Stokes and his side have always been formidable at home with amazing batters and match-winning bowlers. To top it off, Joe Root’s form in the last few years makes it an even more difficult job for Shubman Gill, the new Test captain. 

Here are the three reasons why Karun Nair should play the first Test

3. Lends experience to the middle-order 

Without Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, Team India need someone like Karun Nair to bat in the middle-order. KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal are set to open the batting, while Shubman Gill could bat at the number four spot. Karun could bat at number three or at number six, depending on Sai Sudharsan’s potential debut. Nair can be the bridge between the lower-order and middle-order, and also bat against the second new ball. 

2. Prior experience of playing in England

Karun Nair has played county cricket and was part of the Northamptonshire team. The veteran batter also scored a double century during his stint with Northants. Nair has been able to play in some of the most challenging conditions that England has had to offer. This will put Karun Nair in good stead ahead of the first Test in Leeds, where the conditions are set to be a challenge to the Indian batters. 

1. Current form with the bat

Ahead of the IPL 2025 season, Karun Nair scored 863 runs from nine games with four centuries and two fifties. Nair was also the fourth-highest run-getter in the Ranji Trophy season. The right-handed batter was part of the India A side that played the England Lions in a four-day game. Nair scored 204 runs from 281 balls with 26 boundaries and a six with the bat. This will be a huge shot in the arm for the veteran batter who is considered one of the better players in the longest format. Apart from this, Nair also bowled three overs and picked the wicket of Dan Mousley.