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‘If he fails again, it's the end for him': Fans divided as India recall Karun Nair for fifth Test vs England
Fans are saying Karun Nair's comeback is his third and final chance. Image: PTI
Just when you thought Karun Nair's international career was over, the 33-year-old made a comeback to the Indian Test team on Thursday as he was included in the against England at The Oval. Nair made a return to international cricket after a gap of eight years in the first Test of the series at Leeds as he scored a duck in the first innings, followed by 20 in the second essay.
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After batting at No.6 at Headingley, he was tried out at No.3 at Edgbaston and Lord's, scoring 31, 26, 40 and 14 in four innings. His failure to convert the starts into big scores as India went 2-1 down led to his exclusion in the fourth Test at Manchester.
However, India captain Shubman Gill as the visitors look to level the series. Probably the absence of Rishabh Pant, who is out of the final Test due to a fractured toe, played a role in Nair's inclusion as India wanted more batting strength. Nonetheless, it's another opportunity for Nair to seal a permanent place in the Indian Test team.
Fans divided as India recall Karun Nair
A failure in the fifth Test at The Oval could potentially lead to his exclusion from the India squad and the end of his international career.
Indian fans were divided on coach Gautam Gambhir and Gill's decision to recall Karun Nair. A few pointed out that The Oval Test could be the final lifeline thrown at Nair.
'Karun Nair is lucky to get another chance but it's his last.. If he fails again, it's the end for him,' a fan wrote on X.
Another wondered why Nair was called back: 'Why inclusion of Prasidh vs Arshdeep? Again Karun Nair? Yashasvi has been failing consistently with his failed technique!'
Why inclusion of Prasidh vs Arshdeep? Again Karun Nair? Yashasvi has been failing consistently with his failed technique! @BCCI @DineshKarthik @bhogleharsha astonished Yadav again excluded! — Arjun (@lososcuros_) July 31, 2025
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But a few Indian team fans were delighted for the middle-order batter as they hoped he would make big runs in the fifth Test and become a permanent fixture in the team.
'I know nobody is gonna read it, But deep down i want karun nair to play the 5th Test and score Great runs, atleast Min. 150 runs in 2 innings and win it for india He has achieved inhuman numbers in domestic and worked very hard for whole year I hope god is watching,' a fan said.
Another fan pointed out that Nair was included to negate the green top at The Oval.
'Fed up of criticisms around playing too many all-rounders, Gambhir plays one extra specialist batter in Karun Nair. Yes, it covers for a possible first innings batting collapse on a greenish pitch but leaves India with only 3 pacers,' he said.
Fed up of criticisms around playing too many all-rounders, Gambhir plays one extra specialist batter in Karun Nair. Yes, it covers for a possible first innings batting collapse on a greenish pitch but leaves India with only 3 pacers. — Mayank (@mayankreports) July 31, 2025
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Besides Nair, India also called up Dhruv Jurel for Pant, Akash Deep for Anshul Kamboj, while Prasidh Krishna replaced Shardul Thakur.
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