Karun Nair reflects on big lesson from mixed comeback in England Test series

India Today

7 hours ago

Senior batter Karun Nair admitted that his biggest frustration during his long-awaited return to the Indian Test team was his inability to convert promising starts into substantial scores in the recently concluded five-match series against England. Nair earned a recall to the national side after seven years, following a string of highly productive domestic seasons, but was unable to replicate that form at the highest level.advertisementNair, playing his first Test in 3,006 days, returned to the XI for the series opener at Headingley in Leeds. However, he was dismissed for a duck in the first innings and followed it up with 20 in the second, as India slipped to defeat.The Karnataka batter showed glimpses of form in Birmingham and at Lord's, where he got starts in both matches but once again failed to build on them. The 33-year-old was left out of the XI for the fourth Test in Manchester, only to return for the fifth, replacing Sai Sudharsan.
Nair responded with a fighting fifty in the first innings at The Oval but managed only 17 in the second when India needed stability. He finished the series with 205 runs from four matches at an average of 25.62.'It was not like I was trying to prove anything. Sometimes you get starts in most of the games and then you find a way to get out. That was the case for me in England,' Nair told PTI.Reflecting on the campaign, Nair said the most important lesson he took away was the need to convert starts into big knocks — something he has already discussed with coaches and close friends.'I was batting well throughout the series and getting into the 30s and 40s, but I just wasn't able to push on. That was frustrating for me more than anyone else. I've been reflecting on why that was happening, why I kept getting out after getting set.'The one lesson I've taken is to make sure I convert the starts I get. I've spoken to a lot of people about it and taken their suggestions. I'll be working on it soon, so that the next time I get a start, I can convert it,' he added.Not looking too far aheadWhen Nair was left out of the XI for the fourth Test, it appeared as though his second innings in international cricket might end abruptly. However, his half-century in the final Test has given him a chance to remain in contention ahead of the home season.advertisementIndia are set to host the West Indies in October, followed by South Africa in November. There are also two India A series lined up against visiting Australia A and South Africa A sides, for which Nair may come into consideration.The experienced batter, however, is not allowing himself to look too far ahead.'I am not thinking too far forward. I am taking it day by day, working on my game and on the learnings from the last series. As time goes on, we will see what happens,' he said.'For me, it's about improving every single day — both in terms of skills and fitness,' he added.Nair also expressed confidence that the new generation of Indian players will shine in the ongoing 2025–27 World Test Championship cycle, which began with a morale-boosting drawn series in England.India's young guns, including new captain Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant, impressed alongside seniors such as KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja.'Yes, we've made a strong start. We played well throughout the series, but it's important to maintain this momentum, keep doing the things we did right against England, and improve in the areas where we need to.'We as players are trying to improve day by day, and hopefully we can do well in this cycle,' Nair said.- EndsYou May Also Like