Karun Nair's comeback to the Indian Test side following over seven years hasn't gone as he would have desired. In the third Test against England at Lord's, Karun again couldn't convert a good start into a big score. Batting at number 3, he was all set at the crease but got out after scoring 40 runs. Joe Root caught him sharply in the first slip to see him return to the pavilion. This is not the first time Karun has failed to make an impression after his return. Prior to the first Test of the series in Leeds, Karun had last represented India in 2017. After impressing with his showings in County cricket as well as in India's domestic competition, Karun made a comeback into the playing XI. But in the Leeds Test, his comeback began on a downward curve as he was dismissed for a duck in the first innings. In the second innings, he made only 20 runs while batting at number six. In the following Edgbaston match, Karun was promoted up the order, replacing Sai Sudharsan at number 3. Once again, he received starts but could not continue, scoring 31 and 26 in two innings. These were not enough, particularly at a crucial batting position. Many speculated about Nair being rested for the Lord's Test, but management showed trust on him and named him in India's XI for the match. Now in the Lord's Test, despite scoring 40 runs, which is also the second highest Test score of Nair after 303*, doubts still persist regarding his position in the team. With Sai Sudharsan sitting on the bench, Karun's future may heavily rely on the way he plays in the second innings. Also Read | Cricket Fraternity Hails Jasprit Bumrah After Maiden Five-For at Lord’s Karun Nair's Score in Tests Runs Balls Innigs Against Venue Date 303* 381 2 England Chennai 16 Dec 2016 40 62 2 England Lord's 10 Jul 2025 31 50 1 England Birmingham 2 Jul 2025 26 46 3 England Birmingham 2 Jul 2025 26 39 1 Australia Bengaluru 4 Mar 2017 23 47 2 Australia Ranchi 16 Mar 2017 20 54 3 England Leeds 20 Jun 2025 13 18 2 England Wankhede 8 Dec 2016 5 16 2 Australia Dharamsala 25 Mar 2017 4 4 2 England Mohali 26 Nov 2016 0 4 1 England Leeds 20 Jun 2025 0 1 3 Australia Bengaluru 4 Mar 2017 Sudharsan was given his Test debut in the opening Test in Leeds. Although he underperformed in the first Test, he has been playing well of late and also has experience at County level. In case Karun fails once again, the team may reintroduce Sudharsan into the side as the number 3 batter.