Big Concern for Team India: This Star Batsman is Struggling in Nets Ahead of 1st Test vs England

Karun Nair faces pace, spin woes and takes a body blow just two days before the series opener in Leeds

June 20, 2025 | Karun Nair, making a much-anticipated return to the Indian Test team, showed signs of rust during an intense net session ahead of the first Test against England. Struggling against both pace and spin, the 33-year-old batter also took a painful blow below the ribs, sparking concern in the Indian camp.

Also Read: England-India 1st Test- Weather Update: Overcast Skies, Rain Threat

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🏏 Karun Nair’s Return Under Pressure

Karun Nair’s selection for the five-Test series against England was hailed as a fairytale comeback. However, just 48 hours before the Leeds Test, the batter appears to be under immense pressure after an unconvincing net session.

Also Read: Rohit, Virat, Ashwin Retirements Signal Test Transition, Says Sachin Tendulkar

• Nair was reportedly uncomfortable against both Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, often playing tentative defensive strokes.
• He failed to find rhythm even against spin, trying uncharacteristic shots like the reverse sweep.
• Ravindra Jadeja bowled him clean, compounding his woes.

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⚠️ Injury Scare Adds to Worries

Also Read: “Bumrah Is Going to Be a Threat”: Ben Stokes Sounds Caution Ahead of Leeds Test Against India

To make matters worse, Nair was struck below the left rib by a sharp bouncer from Prasidh Krishna during the latter part of the session. Following the blow, he was seen in an extended chat with batting coach Sitanshu Kotak, who worked on correcting his stance and shot selection.

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🎯 Context: A Career at a Crossroads

This series marks a pivotal moment for Karun Nair:

• He is only the second Indian to score a Test triple century (303* vs England, 2016).
• Despite that, he has played just six Tests in total, with his last appearance coming in March 2017.
• Ironically, it was against England in 2018 that he was dropped, beginning his long exile from the Test team.

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📸 What’s Next?

Despite the shaky session, Karun is expected to feature in the playing XI for the 1st Test at Headingley. India’s think tank will hope that his class and experience shine through under pressure, especially in overcast, seam-friendly conditions.

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