Veteran batter Karun Nair has reflected on his ordinary campaign in the recently-concluded Test series against England. He expressed his frustration with his inability to convert good starts into significant scores during his return to the Indian Test team in the five-match series against England. After a seven-year absence and a series of strong domestic performances, Nair was recalled to the national side but struggled to replicate his form at the international level.
In his first Test match in 3,006 days, Nair returned to the playing XI for the series opener in Leeds. However, he was out for a duck in the first innings and scored only 20 in the second, contributing to India's defeat. He showed flashes of his potential in Birmingham and at Lord's, but failed to capitalise on his starts. The 33-year-old was then dropped for the fourth Test in Manchester, only to be brought back for the final match, where he replaced Sai Sudharsan.
Nair managed to score a fighting fifty in the first innings at The Oval but was dismissed for just 17 in the second when India needed a steadying hand. He finished the series with 205 runs from four matches, averaging 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.
While taking about his rollercoaster ride in England tour, Nair said the most important lesson he took away was the need to convert starts into big knocks—something he has already discussed with his 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.
When Nair was dropped from the playing XI for the fourth Test, it seemed as if his second stint in international cricket might be short-lived. However, his fifty in the final Test has given him a lifeline, keeping him in contention for the upcoming home season. India is scheduled to host the West Indies in October, followed by South Africa in November. Additionally, there are two India A series against Australia A and South Africa A, for which Nair might be considered. Despite these potential opportunities, the experienced batter is focusing on the present and not looking 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. For me, it’s about improving every single day — both in terms of skills and fitness,” concluded.