Karun Nair’s comeback lasted just long enough to pack again; KL Rahul consoles him in emotional viral video

Karun Nair’s much-anticipated return to Test cricket after eight years didn’t unfold the way he had hoped. Aiming for a revival with big scores and meaningful partnerships, Nair instead struggled with form and was eventually dropped from India’s playing XI for the fourth Test at Old Trafford.

In his six innings across the first three Tests, he scored only 131 runs. This prompted the selectors to replace him with B Sai Sudharsan. A photo that has since gone viral on social media shows a tearful Nair being comforted by close friend and star batter KL Rahul, offering a glimpse into the emotional toll of his exclusion.



Nair’s campaign started poorly at Headingley, where he was out for a duck in the first innings and scored just 20 in the second. In the second Test, he managed scores of 31 and 26. His most promising effort came in the third Test, where he made 40 in the first innings, but followed it up with only 14 in the second.

With his place hanging by a thread, India skipper Shubman Gill opted to exclude him from the fourth Test lineup. In total, three changes were made to the squad: Anshul Kamboj was given his Test debut, Sai Sudharsan came in for Nair, and Shardul Thakur replaced Nitish Kumar Reddy, who was ruled out due to a knee injury.

Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif criticised Gill’s decision, stating: “Today was Shubman Gill's chance to back Karun who was down but deserved one more chance. He should have picked Karun Nair. Chance missed to earn the respect when it comes to making tough decisions as a leader,” Kaif posted on X.

As it stands, England lead the five-match series 2-1 following their narrow 22-run win in the third Test at Lord’s.

[With TOI inputs]