Karun Nair’s Career: Game Over or Any Hope?

Karun Nair’s return to Test cricket was supposed to be a fresh start a second chance after years in the wilderness. But six innings in, it feels more like a missed opportunity than a comeback.

India gave him a long rope, hoping for one big innings, one moment where he proves why he deserves to wear the whites again. But that moment never came.

Here’s how Karun Nair has fared since his comeback: 14 (33), 40 (62), 26 (46), 31 (50), 20 (54), and 0 (4). That’s 131 runs across six innings with an average of just 21.83 and not a single fifty.

Even when he looked comfortable, he never went on. Every knock ended before it could become something valuable for the team.

The worst came at Lord’s. A straight ball from Brydon Carse, and he decided to leave it. No swing, no trickery just poor judgment. He didn’t even bother to review it. Walked off on 14.

Former players watching couldn’t believe it. Dinesh Karthik said it was an ordinary leave. Michael Atherton called it strange. Anil Kumble didn’t hold back either, saying it was simply a brain fade. And they’re not wrong.

This wasn’t a one-off. It’s been the pattern since his return starts, small scores, soft dismissals. And the worry is not just about what he’s scoring it’s about how he’s getting out.

At No. 3, India needs someone solid. Someone who can take pressure, build the innings, and anchor the game. Right now, Karun doesn’t look like that guy.

Meanwhile, the line behind him is getting longer. Youngsters like Sai Sudharsan are scoring runs, waiting for a chance. Players who are younger, sharper, and hungry to prove themselves.

India can’t keep giving chances to someone who isn’t grabbing them especially when the team is in transition and building for the future.

At 33, Karun doesn’t have age on his side either. He needed one big knock to shut everyone up and he couldn’t deliver.

Six innings should have been enough. In fact, for many others, even three would’ve been a luxury.

Now the big question is will India give him a seventh chance? Or has time run out? Right now, it looks like the selectors might just move on. And honestly, maybe it’s time.