India vs England: Should Karun Nair replace Virat Kohli?

The selection process for Team India’s squad ahead of the upcoming five-Test series against England in June has sparked significant debate, particularly following the recent retirements of stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. With their departure, India not only faces a leadership vacuum but also must find reliable replacements for two of the most vital top-order positions in the batting lineup. The most pressing concern is the No. 4 spot, long occupied by Virat Kohli, who served as a mainstay and a match-winner in that role for over a decade. The challenge now is identifying a player who can handle the responsibility and pressure that comes with batting at No. 4 in Test cricket, especially in English conditions.

Can Karun Nair replace Virat Kohli in the India vs England Test series?

Shubman Gill and KL Rahul are widely regarded as frontrunners for the role due to their experience and current form. Both have shown promise in different formats and have been part of India’s Test setup. However, former India cricketer Sanjay Bangar has added an interesting twist to the debate by suggesting an alternative name for the No. 4 position, diverging from the expected choices. His suggestion has added fuel to the ongoing discussion and raised fresh questions about the direction Indian cricket might take in this transitional phase.

"I'm thinking of Karun Nair at No.4. If all the talk of giving domestic cricket the priority and (using it as) benchmark, then he has done everything possible to get his Test spot back," stated former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar in a recent interview. 

Karun Nair has experienced a remarkable resurgence in form during the 2024/25 domestic season, reigniting hopes of a return to the Indian Test squad. Representing Vidarbha, Karun played a pivotal role in their impressive campaign, helping the team reach the final of the Vijay Hazare Trophy and clinch the prestigious Ranji Trophy title. Throughout the season, the 33-year-old consistently delivered with the bat, reminding selectors of his class and experience in red-ball cricket. Notably, Karun Nair holds a rare distinction in Indian cricket—he is one of only two Indians, alongside Virender Sehwag, to have scored a triple century in Test cricket.

This incredible feat, achieved earlier in his career, continues to set him apart and now, with his recent run of form, he’s begun to re-enter the national selection radar. Adding further weight to his case, Karun made a spectacular impact in his first appearance of the IPL 2025 season. Turning out for the Delhi Capitals, he smashed a blistering 89 runs off just 40 deliveries, showcasing his aggressive stroke play and match-winning potential. His performance not only turned heads but also strengthened his claim as a contender for India’s vacant No. 4 Test spot following Kohli’s retirement.

"What happens to Abhimanyu Easwaran? He has scored a lot of runs. I believe he will make it to the Test squad," added Bangar. 

Abhimanyu Easwaran, once considered a strong contender for a place in India’s Test side, faced a setback earlier this year when he failed to break into the playing XI for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Despite being in the extended squad, his underwhelming performances in the India A matches leading up to the series worked against him. His inability to convert starts into big scores and establish consistency at the top of the order raised concerns among selectors, pushing him down the pecking order at a crucial juncture.

However, all may not be lost for the Bengal batter. Easwaran has been handed a fresh opportunity to prove his credentials, having been named captain of the India A side for the upcoming warm-up matches against the visiting England Lions. This assignment is being viewed as a potential audition for a place in the main Test squad, especially given the vacancies in the top order following the retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. The leadership role also reflects the selectors’ continued faith in Easwaran’s temperament and experience. A strong showing against the England Lions could help him reclaim his spot in the national conversation and potentially earn him a place in the squad for the high-profile England Test series.