Trisha Ghosal in London
There’s barely time to breathe between India’s historic Test victory at Edgbaston and the third Test at the ‘Home of Cricket’, Lord’s. After arriving in London on Monday, the Indian squad opted for an optional training session today, two days out from the match. But if one were to pick up clues from the nets, Karun Nair appears primed to retain the No.3 spot.
Since the first Test, the debate has lingered — Sai Sudharsan or Karun Nair? At Headingley, both featured: Sai at No. 3, Karun at 6. In the second Test at Edgbaston, it was Karun who stepped up to bat at No.3, while Sai was left out. Now, ahead of the third Test, speculation brews again. But from what we observed at Lord’s today, Karun looks set to get another chance.
He was the first to pad up and went through a comprehensive and high-intensity routine — beginning with throwdowns, followed by sessions in the pacers’ nets, then spin, and back again to throwdowns. He batted for an extended period in each, showing intent and application throughout.
In his first throw down session, Karun focused on drives and both front-foot and back-foot defence. Gradually, he shifted focus to balls landing just outside the off-stump, specifically adjusting to varying lengths in that corridor — a telltale sign of preparation for English conditions.
In the pacers’ nets, he faced: Jasprit Bumrah, Shardul Thakur, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Arshdeep Singh. Karun looked significantly more assured than he has in previous sessions on this tour. The standout feature? His judgement outside off. Bumrah bowled a fiery spell, and although Karun was dismissed once, trapped LBW by an in-dipper, he largely played with control and composure.
Then came the spin net. With Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav and local net spinners in operation, Karun shifted gears. He used his feet, swept, defended and rotated the strike well, an indication he’s ticking off boxes against all types of bowling. His session concluded with another extended stint of throwdowns, this time working primarily on short balls and cut shots, staying tall and getting on top of the bounce.
Sai, though not at fault, was the one sacrificed for balance in the second Test. As it stands, he’s unlikely to return at Lord’s. Karun seems to have done enough to retain his place, for now. But with both Sai and Abhimanyu Easwaran breathing down his neck, the next two innings could define Karun’s red-ball future.
The selection door is ajar but cricket, for now, appears ready to give Karun two more innings.
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