Karun Nair scored a crucial 57 runs in the fifth and final Test against England at The Oval, as India were bundled out for 224 in 69.4 overs in their first innings on Day Two. On Day One, Nair was the only batter who stood firm, finishing with an unbeaten 52 on a rain-hit Thursday, 31 July.
On a green and difficult pitch, Nair showed great patience and technique, which helped India reach 204/6 by stumps on Day One. This was an important knock for the right-hander, who was brought back into the playing XI after missing the fourth Test.
Former England batter and Delhi Capitals batting coach Kevin Pietersen, who worked with Nair during IPL 2025, praised his effort. He said, “So happy for Karun and how he’s stabilised India’s batting yesterday. He’s a tremendously hard worker on his game and we spent many hours talking about batting in England during the IPL. I’m hoping he gets a wonderful 100 today!”
Their bond developed when Nair was picked by Delhi Capitals earlier this year and Pietersen joined as the team’s batting coach. Nair’s composed innings at The Oval reflected the work they put in together.
Though Nair had struggled in earlier Tests after returning to the national side following an eight-year absence, this knock—along with Washington Sundar’s unbeaten 19 at the end of Day One—brought some stability after a poor start.
Earlier, India lost both openers cheaply. Shubman Gill was run out after a mix-up, while Sai Sudharsan scored 38 before getting out. KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja also fell early. Chris Woakes, who dismissed Rahul, suffered a shoulder injury and has been ruled out of the rest of the match.
On Day Two, India could manage only 20 runs before losing their remaining wickets. Along with Nair’s 57, Sundar contributed 26, but the tail offered no resistance.
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