Just a week ago, Karun Nair might have feared his Test career was over. After a long wait of eight years, he returned with scores of 0, 20, 31, 26, 40, and 14. It wasn’t disastrous, but it wasn’t convincing either. He batted at No. 6 in the first Test and at No. 3 in the next two. Neither position suited him. But when you’re handed a lifeline, you don’t get to choose.
Dropped for the Old Trafford Test, Nair seemed destined for the bench again. However, a green pitch at The Oval, and Rishabh Pant’s absence, opened the door. India needed a specialist batter. Nair got his chance.
Answering the Call Under Pressure
India were in trouble at 83 for 3. Moments later, the score became 123 for 5. Shubman Gill was run out. Sai Sudharsan and Ravindra Jadeja fell to sharp deliveries from Josh Tongue. The momentum was with England.
Nair stepped in when India needed calm. He relied on his county cricket experience in England. He adjusted quickly to the swinging ball and tricky bounce. At the other end was Dhruv Jurel, filling in for Rishabh Pant. He looked nervous after Gill’s run out. Nair became his guide, rotating the strike and settling the innings.
Redemption in Motion
Karun played smart. He left well, defended tight, and drove with confidence. His balance and footwork stood out. He showed no fear despite the conditions. When he attacked, he did it decisively.
At 7:20 pm local time, he glanced Jacob Bethell for two runs to reach his fifty. It was his first since that iconic 303*. The moment was emotional and important. It wasn’t just a milestone. It was proof. Proof that he still belonged at this level. Proof that patience and hard work pay off.
His knock has revived India’s hopes. And more than that, it has reignited his own. Whether or not it becomes a century, it’s already a statement — Karun Nair is back.
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