Karun Nair Joins Elite List as India’s No. 3 Test Conundrum Continues

Karun Nair has become the ninth Indian cricketer to bat at No. 3 in Test matches since 2022, highlighting the team’s ongoing search for stability at this crucial position. Nair, who made a much-anticipated return to the Test side after nearly eight years, was promoted to No. 3 in the second Test against England at Birmingham. Despite showing early promise with five boundaries, he managed just 31 runs before falling to a short-ball ploy—a reminder of the relentless scrutiny facing India’s revolving door at No. 3.

 

Since Cheteshwar Pujara’s exit from the role, India has experimented with a host of players at one-down. The full list since 2022 includes:

 

Cheteshwar Pujara

 

Shubman Gill

 

Virat Kohli

 

Sai Sudharsan

 

Devdutt Padikkal

 

Hanuma Vihari

 

KL Rahul

 

Night-watchman R Ashwin (one innings)

 

Karun Nair

 

Shubman Gill has been the most frequent occupant, featuring in 16 matches at No. 3, while others like Kohli, Padikkal, and Sudharsan have had brief stints. Nair’s selection comes on the back of a prolific domestic season, including a double century for India A and a Ranji Trophy-winning campaign with Vidarbha.

 

As India’s Test side transitions in the wake of retirements and form slumps, the No. 3 spot remains fiercely contested. Nair’s comeback is a testament to perseverance, but with team management keen on results, the competition for this pivotal slot is far from over.

 

Sources: India TV News, InsideSport, India Today