As India prepares for a demanding Test assignment against England, former all-rounder Irfan Pathan has thrown his weight behind Karun Nair, suggesting the Karnataka batter should be considered for the pivotal No. 3 position in India’s playing XI. In a recent interview, Pathan expressed confidence in Nair’s technique and temperament, stating that the right-hander has both the experience and skill to fill the crucial role, especially in the absence of Virat Kohli for the initial games.
Karun Nair’s name may not have circulated much in India’s Test selection discussions lately, but he remains one of the few Indian batters to have scored a triple century in Test cricket. His unbeaten 303 against England in Chennai in 2016 remains a landmark performance. However, despite that historic innings, Nair has struggled to find a consistent place in the Indian Test side. With the team constantly evolving and experimenting with younger players in recent years, Nair has often been on the fringes, waiting for another chance to cement his place.
Irfan Pathan’s endorsement of Nair comes at a time when India’s middle-order remains unsettled, especially with injuries and senior players taking scheduled breaks. While Shubman Gill has been batting at No. 3 in recent Tests, there is ongoing debate about his ideal position. Some experts believe Gill is more suited to opening, while others argue that his game can flourish in the No. 3 slot if given time. Pathan, however, believes that Karun Nair offers a solid and stable option who can absorb pressure and build an innings when needed.
“Nair is technically sound, has played high-quality domestic cricket, and understands what it takes to bat long in red-ball cricket,” Pathan said. “We shouldn’t forget he’s a proven performer at the international level. His experience and hunger make him a great candidate for the No. 3 spot.”
The Indian team management, led by Rahul Dravid and Rohit Sharma, now faces a welcome dilemma. With a host of emerging players such as Rajat Patidar, Sarfaraz Khan, and Devdutt Padikkal making strong cases through domestic and India A performances, selecting the right combination will be crucial. Nair, however, offers a blend of past international experience and domestic consistency that could tip the balance in his favor.
For Karun Nair himself, the endorsement by a former cricketer of Irfan Pathan’s stature is likely to be a huge confidence boost. The 32-year-old has been quietly putting up steady performances in the Ranji Trophy and other first-class formats, waiting patiently for another opportunity. Should the selectors choose to back him, the England series could be his chance at redemption—a platform to reignite his international career and re-establish himself as a key figure in India’s Test ambitions.
For more news updates, follow 12B Sports India Facebook .