Karun Nair kicks off England Tour with a century for India A

Karun Nair announced his return to India's Test setup with a century on the opening day of the India A Tour of England. The Vidarbha batter, who became only the second Indian player after Virender Sehwag to hit a triple century in Test cricket, waited well over half a decade for his return. Following his triple century in 2016, Karun Nair last played for India in 2017. Waiting for a call back ever since, Nair finally earned a spot in the India squad for the India vs England series on the back of an impressive domestic season. Moreover, Nair's return was also aided by the fact that the retirement of Virat Kohli opened a spot in the Indian Test batting order.

Karun Nair crowns his return to Indian Test setup with a century for India A on England Tour

Before the India Tour of England takes off on June 20, India A will play two Tests against the England Lions. The first India A Test kicked off on Friday, May 30, in Canterbury. Led by Abhimanyu Easwaran, the India A Playing XI featured Karun Nair at the No.3 spot. Nair's turn to bat arrived early after Easwaran departed in the sixth over of the first innings. Already a part of the India squad, Nair made a strong case for selection in the India Playing XI for the India vs England series. The England Lions stunned India A early, dismissing the opening pair within the first hour of the game.

However, Karun Nair stitched a sublime partnership with Sarfaraz Khan to undo the domination set by the Lions in Canterbury. The 33-year-old batter got to his century in 150 deliveries and kept up the charge along with Sarfaraz. While Sarfaraz couldn't get to his hundred, with Josh Hull dismissing the batter at 92 off 119, Nair knitted another impactful partnership with Dhruv Jurel. At stumps on Day 1, India A were 409 for 3 with Karun Nair unbeaten at 186 off 246 and Jurel batting at 82 off 104.

And Karun Nair gets a 100 batting at no.3. 🤝🤝🤝

— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) May 30, 2025

After a wait of over 8 years, Karun Nair finally received a recall to the Indian set-up. Spots opened up after the retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Marking the start of a new phase for India in Test cricket, Shubman Gill was named India's new Test captain. Meanwhile, Karun Nair, along with Sai Sudharsan, was named in the India squad for the India Tour of England. With Kohli's exit, it is likely for Shubman Gill to move down a spot in the batting order, leaving the No.3 position up for grabs. Catching the opportunity with both hands, Nair has called on the spot with his fluent century for India A to kick-start the England Tour.