India Vs England, 1st Test: Karun Nair Departs On Duck In Test Comeback

Seven years of perseverance, countless hours on the domestic circuit, and a dream to wear the India whites again — Karun Nair’s return to Test cricket was a moment many had hoped would mark a new chapter in his international career. Instead, it ended in heartbreak on Day 2 of the first Test against England at Headingley.

Making his first Test appearance since 2017, Nair walked in to bat with India in a commanding position at 447/5. Shubman Gill had just fallen for a majestic 147, and Rishabh Pant was still going strong on 134. It was the perfect platform for Nair to make an impression. But cricket, as always, is a game of fine margins.

Facing England captain Ben Stokes, Nair lasted just four deliveries. Stokes, bowling with intent, delivered a full, wide ball outside off in the final delivery of the 105th over. Nair reached out to drive, but only managed a mistimed shot that flew towards short extra cover. Ollie Pope, stationed there, pulled off a stunning diving catch — leaping to his left and grabbing the ball mid-air, leaving Nair stunned and England elated.

The last time Karun Nair played a Test for India was back in 2017, after being dropped following the home Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. In his red-ball career so far, the Indian batter has featured in just six matches, batting across seven innings and scoring 374 runs.

What stands out, however, is his remarkable unbeaten 303 in just his third Test in 2016, making him only the second Indian to score a triple century in the format. However, a dip in form followed, and he featured in just three more Tests before being sidelined.

Nair’s return to the Test side has been powered by a standout performance in the India A vs England Lions Test match, where he smashed a commanding 204.

Not only that, the 33-year-old has enjoyed a stellar domestic season. After being dropped from the Karnataka Ranji Trophy squad in 2022, Nair found a fresh start with Vidarbha. He also gained valuable County Championship experience playing for Northamptonshire in the 2023 and 2024 seasons.

India’s first innings in the Leeds Test came to a dramatic end at 471, marked by a stunning collapse that saw them lose their last seven wickets for just 41 runs. What had begun as a dominant batting display, powered by centuries from Yashasvi Jaiswal (102), Shubman Gill (147), and Rishabh Pant (134), unravelled within 23 minutes after lunch on Day 2. The visitors, at one stage cruising at 430/4, were eventually bundled out in less than two sessions' time.