Ind vs Eng 3rd Test: Is Karun Nair the right choice for Team India at No.3 position? 

India’s dominant 336-run victory at Edgbaston under Shubman Gill’s leadership has given the visitors a crucial edge in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. 

However, even amid the celebrations, questions linger over Karun Nair’s position in the playing XI particularly at the pivotal No.3 spot.

Karun Nair’s Struggles Since His Return

Back in India’s Test squad after eight long years, Nair has yet to cement his place. The 33-year-old, batting at No.3 in Edgbaston, registered modest scores of 0, 20, 31, and 26 in his four innings so far against England. 

With Sai Sudharsan sitting out after just one Test, many are questioning if the team management made the right call.

Manjrekar Questions Team Selection

Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar has voiced concerns over dropping Sudharsan after his debut Test where he scored 0 and 30. “It’s unfair to leave him out after just one match. He showed promise in the second innings,” Manjrekar told ESPNcricinfo.

He further argued that Nair is not the ideal No.3. “I’d play Sai Sudharsan at No.3. Karun Nair is not a number-three player in my book. India cannot get complacent just because Shubman Gill is scoring heavily.”

Crunch Time at Lord’s

With the five-match series level at 1-1, all eyes are on the Indian team’s selection for the Lord’s Test starting today. Will Gautam Gambhir’s management stick with Nair or give Sudharsan another shot at proving himself in the “mecca of cricket”?