Old Trafford, Manchester:
India face a pivotal decision ahead of the fourth Test against England, starting July 23 at Old Trafford: should Karun Nair keep his place at No. 3 despite a string of uninspiring scores, or should the selectors back youth and bring in Sai Sudharsan?
Nair, 33, earned a recall after an impressive domestic season and a strong double-century for India A against England Lions in May. But in the three Tests so far at Leeds, Birmingham, and Lord’s he has compiled just 131 runs at an average below 22, with a highest score of 40. Critics say he has failed to convert promising starts, raising doubts about his ability to anchor the middle order in challenging English conditions.
Invest in young talent:
Former cricketer Farokh Engineer was blunt in his criticism: “A beautiful 30 isn’t expected from a No. 3… you’ve got to get a not‑so‑beautiful 100”. His view echoes sentiments from pundits like Deep Dasgupta, who calls for a single change: “If there is only one, it would be replacing Karun Nair with Sai Sudharsan”
The contrast in styles couldn’t be sharper. Sudharsan, 23, made his Test debut in Leeds (0 & 30), was dropped temporarily to accommodate team balance, but has shown composure and maturity. His potential earned high praise, with some comparing his inclusion to the memorable Dravid-for-Manjrekar swap from the 1996 England tour.
Even former India coach Ravi Shastri hinted that Nair’s dismissal at Lord’s a lapse in concentration was a turning point in India’s 22-run defeat. The miss was costly, as India chased a modest 193 and fell short.
Aakash Chopra has opined that the 4th Test in Manchester could be Karun Nair’s last chance.#ENGvsIND #KarunNair #TeamIndia #AakashChopra #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/xILnwJHwVs
— InsideSport (@InsideSportIND) July 17, 2025
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What is the team’s view:
On the flip side, coach Ryan ten Doeschate defended Nair: “His rhythm is good, his tempo is good. We want more runs from the three… focus on what we’ve done well and tidy up the little things”. But with India trailing 1–2, any substitution must deliver immediate impact. As selection looms, it’s down to team balance versus reward for current performance. Nair’s experience and past achievements including a Test triple-century are weighed against Sudharsan’s youth, promise, and current form. Will India back continuity through Nair, or refresh their middle order in Manchester? The decision will speak volumes about the team’s direction.
Key Figures at Glance
| Player | Tests (this series) | Runs | Avg | Notable Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Karun Nair | 3 | 131 | 22 | “Beautiful 30 is not enough” – Engineer |
| Sai Sudharsan | 1 | 30 | – | “Invest in youth” – Dasgupta |
India must decide whether to persist with Nair’s experience or hand a high-pressure opportunity to Sudharsan. With the series hanging in the balance, the call taken now may influence selection philosophy beyond Manchester.
