Team India, using all of their tools to structure a hard and sustainable foundation, is set to introduce multiple new additions in the playing XI for the first Test match of the five-match series starting on June 20 against England at Leeds.

To get acclimatized to the English conditions, BCCI has sent two different sets of players to the UK—the India 'A' team followed by the main team. A video shared by the Indian Cricket Team's official social media account caught the eyes of Indian cricket fans.

It is speculated that in the video, head coach of team India, Gautam Gambhir, provided hints about the probable playing combination for the Headingley Test. Ahead of this important game, Gambhir welcomed Sai Sudharsan and Arshdeep Singh as the new candidates of the squad and Karun Nair, who made his Team India comeback almost after seven years. While welcoming these three cricketers into the main squad, Gambhir heaps praise on all of them. That event and welcome speeches by the head coach are treated as hints about the possible playing XI for the first Test match of the tour by a part of cricket fans.

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Who can play?

Apart from Sudharshan, Nair, and Arshdeep, as the senior players of the squad, KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja can be placed in the XI. As per reports, Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal can form the opening pair in Leeds. Captain Shubman Gill and vice-captain Rishabh Pant are the automatic choices. Jasprit Bumrah has been doing extremely well in the nets and can play the first game along with Mohammed Siraj.

Selection of the pace bowling all-rounder can be tricky, as Shardul Thakur has the experience but was unimpressive against England Lions in comparison with Nitish Kumar Reddy, who has less experience but looked promising against the Lions. So for now, Reddy can be fortunate enough to get a place in the playing group. 

India's probable playing XI for the first match:

Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill, Karun Nair, Rishabh Pant, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Siraj. 

Karun Nair and KL Rahul opened up on the former’s emotional return to the Indian Test setup after more than seven years. Nair has been included in India's Test team for the forthcoming series against England, with veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli retiring. Speaking about this chance, Nair said he was thankful, terming it a special moment in his life. He said he was grateful and blessed for the second chance and was looking forward to making the best use of it. 

Discussing the return, Nair said he couldn't put his emotions into words and that it would truly hit him only when he stepped back onto the field in Indian colors. The right-arm bowler had last played for India in a Test match in the 2017 Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. After years of grit, particularly on the county and domestic circuit, Nair is now all set to make a comeback, and the return journey has not gone unnoticed by many people, including old friend KL Rahul.

KL Rahul, who has a deep cricketing relationship with Nair, was emotional in his words. He emphasized Nair's tireless work in County cricket and how arduous the journey back to the Indian team had been. "I've known him for a very long time, and the months he spent here in the UK playing cricket and how hard and lonely it was for him to be able to do all of that and come back into the Indian team, I think it's special for him, for his family, and for friends like us, who have seen his journey," said Rahul.

A Journey of Grit and Resilience

Rahul also spoke about how uplifting Nair's return story is, not only for the fans but for his near and dear ones who have witnessed his struggles firsthand. "So, like I said, very inspiring as well, and hopefully his experience and learning from playing County cricket here will hold him in good stead when he plays Test matches here," he concluded.

Watch the video here

A comeback story with Karun Nair 🔝

P.S. - A special message from KL Rahul 👌#TeamIndia | #ENGvIND | @karun126 | @klrahul pic.twitter.com/PeYCsNtnxv

— BCCI (@BCCI) June 12, 2025

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With the England series to be staged in challenging conditions, Karun Nair's County tour may come in handy. As he readies himself to don the Indian whites once more, gestures of goodwill such as Rahul's reflect how much this comeback means—and not just for Nair, but for everyone who has shared his journey.

Sanjay Bangar's surprise pick for the number 3 spot in India's Test batting lineup. While a part of cricket fans like to see Karun Nair or Subhman Gill at that particular position, Bangar thinks in different ways. He dismissed both the batters from the No. 3 spot against England.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has sent two different sets of teams to the UK for preparations—India 'A' and the main squad. The five-match series will start on June 20, and before that, the team management has to find the right combination.

Filling up the void created by Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will be crucial for the officials, especially when there are multiple contenders for one position. Among the cricket fans and pundits, the main talking points are around the opening spot and the number 4 position, where Sharma and Kohli played for years. But number 3 is also a pivotal position; it was a spot where Cheteshwar Pujara used to play.

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The former batting coach of Team India preferred to utilize the newly appointed captain, Shubman Gill, at Number 4, the place vacated by Virat. 

"I think none of them in my book (possibilities of Gill or Karun at No. 3). If at all Karun is playing, he would bat slightly lower down the order. All indications are that Shubman Gill may bat at No. 4. So, the toss-up at No. 3 is going to be between Sai Sudharsan and Abhimanyu Easwaran. Easwaran also got a good score in one of the practice matches they played," Sanjay Bangar said.

Karun Nair as a lower-middle order batter?

The cricketer-turned-expert reckoned Nair as a lower-order batter. He chose Gill at 4, Rishabh Pant at 5, and then Nair, who scored a wonderful double century against the England Lions. 

"I don’t think there is going to be any difference there. One of those two will play at No. 3. No. 4 will be Shubman Gill, No. 5 will be Rishabh Pant, and No. 6 will be Karun Nair. That’s my understanding of the situation," said Bangar.

On one side, the main squad is currently going through under preparations, and on the other side, another set of Indian talents, known as the India A team, played two multi-day practice matches against the England Lions. On the first unofficial test, it was raining runs under heavy weather, and in the next match, along with some batting brilliancies, the India A team showed some promising spells as well. The second unofficial Test ended in a draw. From this match, Indian team management can accumulate at least 3 positives ahead of the five-match Test series against England, starting on June 20. 

Three positives Team India can take away from the 2nd unofficial Test:

1. Opening slot:

Over the past few years, Rohit Sharma established himself in the opening position. As he retired from the format, the management had to select someone who could play a significant role at the top of the batting order. BCCI has multiple options to form an opening pair, but finding the right combination is the main challenge, especially when the assignment is under overseas conditions. KL Rahul, after the retirement of Sharma and Virat Kohli, is now the most experienced batter in the Indian group there in the UK. Rahul's hundred and half-century in the first and second innings, respectively, during the 2nd unofficial Test can prove enough to convince the board officials to send him out on the ground as an opener. 

Read More: ENG Lions vs IND A, 2nd Unofficial Full Recap – Key performances and major Highlights from unofficial Test

2. Middle Order

The void created because of Virat Kohli's retirement is massive. He made his name with the Whites batting in the middle order, especially at number 4. India needs someone who is immensely talented and has the ability to perform best with pressure lying on their shoulders. Is there anyone in the current mix who can provide stability batting in the middle order? With tons of stats, Karun Nair is undoubtedly a good shout. Sai Sudharsan can be a good contender to hold a spot in the middle order after his dream run in IPL 2025. 

3. Bowling

India may have to play some multiple matches without Jasprit Bumrah, the formidable weapon in India's bowling line-up, due to balance workload management. But the bowlers in the India A team proved that they can pick up wickets without the service from the apex bowler as well. Khaleel Ahmed impressed by claiming 4 wickets, and Anshul Kamboj, Tanush Kotian, and Tushar Deshpande also displayed some eye-catching spells against the England Lions. 

Karun Nair's double century last week in the first unofficial Test against England Lions has brought him into the national limelight again. The right-hand bat, who had played for India the last time in 2017, made a strong statement with his 204 off 273 balls, studded with 26 fours and a six. With the Indian team gearing up for a five-match Test series in England, his current form and experience have been highly valued.

India's head coach, Gautam Gambhir, and recently appointed Test captain, Shubman Gill, spoke on various issues prior to the team's departure for England. Gambhir particularly praised Nair's return and highlighted its significance for domestic cricket and that these performances remind everyone of the value of the domestic circuit and also serve as motivation for young cricketers to strive for national selection.

Also Read: MS Dhoni spotted riding his bike in Ranchi after conclusion of IPL 2025 [In Picture]

Gambhir also emphasized Nair's County cricket experience, saying that his exposure to English conditions will prove to be the key on the tour. With seniors Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli not around, Nair is likely to take on some of the responsibility in the middle order. “Always good to have the experience of Karun. He played County cricket there and is in really good form,” Gambhir said.

Gambhir Supports Consistency Over Short-Term Judgements

Gambhir went on to explain that the Indian team management does not want to judge players based on one or two games. Rather, perennial performers such as Nair will be provided enough opportunities to establish themselves at the international level. "If someone has scored heaps of runs, he will be given a decent run," he added.

Nair's return to the side is not merely an individual comeback but a sign to all local players that good performances will be rewarded. His inclusion is part of a larger strategy by the team management to support form and experience, particularly on testing overseas tours such as the one in England.

INDA: 557 (125.1)

ENGA: 237/2 (52)

England Lions trail by 320 runs

Inspired by Tom Haines's dominating century and Max Holden's well-crafted half-century, England Lions hinted at making a comeback against India A at the end of Day 2. 

India A was at the driving seat when Day 2 started with Karun Nair and Dhruv Jurel on the crease. Nair, as expected, achieved his 200 with the same rhythm and confidence he played with a day before. Though Jurel proved not fortunate enough to achieve a hundred, missing by only 6 runs, he was dismissed for 94. 

After the departure of Jurel and Nair, the visiting side started to lose wickets at regular intervals. NK Reddy was disappointed as he threw his wicket only for 7. Utilizing all the cards, India A in 125.1 overs posted 557 for 10 scalps. Josh Hull and Zaman Akhter for England Lions claimed 3 wickets each. 

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England Lions trying best to capture the driving position

Despite the brilliant knock by Jurel and counterattack by the host, Nair remained as the main man under the spotlight with his 281 balls and 204 runs innings, decorated with 26 boundaries and one six. 

In front of a mammoth total and on a green deck, the England Lions batter showed resilience at the tea break and gradually built the momentum to offer a neck-to-neck fight to India A by the end of the day. After the dominating performance from Abhimanyu Easwaran's team, Haines has made his nation believe they can score a massive number too. The batter from South Essex remained not out for 103 off 147 with eleven 4s, supported by Holden's unbeaten 64.

The match is now at a neck-to-neck position 

Anshul Kamboj and Harsh Dubey were the only two bowlers who were so far impressed with the ball, taking the wickets of Ben McKinney and Emilio Gay, respectively. At the end of Day 2, England Lions had 237/2 and were trailing by 320 runs. 

The unprecedented resurgence of Karun Nair has caught the attention of several cricketing pundits. Of late, Karun has made headlines by stitching together a string of promising performances in the domestic arena across formats. The Karnataka-born batter rose to prominence back in 2016 when he slammed a breathtaking triple hundred against England, making him only the third triple centurion for India in Test cricket. However, after that triumph, the 33-year-old lost his spark over the years and eventually got sidelined from the Test side.  

But years of grinding in the domestic circuit have given him a second chance to cement his place permanently in the Indian Test squad. His performances in recent times have been noteworthy and calls for his inclusion in the Test side seem to grow louder. In this article, he will emphasize three key reasons why Karun Nair must bat at number three in the upcoming England tour. 

See also: England Lions vs India A Live streaming details, 1st Unofficial Test: How to watch ENG-L vs IND-A Telecast on TV and online?

Experience batter at number three

Karun has a steady technique which complies well with the requirements of a typical number three batsman. At this position, he can stabilize the innings in case of an early wicket. Unlike traditional number three batters, Nair also has the ability to shift gears when needed, especially against spin. Besides, his ability to consistently rotate strike keeps pressure away from the big hitters. Throughout his First-Class career, Karun has demonstrated versatility while batting across several positions. Although he frequently bats in the middle order, his adaptability enables him to perform effectively in various positions, including number three. His technical proficiency and capacity to anchor innings render him a valuable asset in that role.

Recent form (Double century against England Lions)

Karun has the ability to score big against England, and his recent knock of 204 serves as a true testament to that fact. On a seam-friendly deck, Karun displayed a calculated approach and a calm demeanor while going about constructing his innings.  The maturity in his batting was evident. The 33-year-old partnered with Sarfaraz Khan at a tricky time and stitched a galloping 181-run stand for the third wicket to turn the tables on England Lions. He played a stroke-filled innings of high quality as he did not let go of any scoring opportunity and pounded the inexperienced Lions bowlers, scoring at a belligerent strike rate of nearly 73. Karun is no stranger to the English conditions and has played a fair bit of country cricket in England before. His double ton has not only propelled the visitors to the top but also solidified his chances of securing a Test recall after nine long years.

Has got the Test temperament

Karun Nair is someone who does not come across as a natural hard hitter. But his ability to play a wide range of strokes with control and precision against both pace and spin makes him a valuable asset for Team India in the longest format. Having played at the highest level, including a triple century in Tests, Karun brings situational awareness to tackle pressure situations, plus the maturity to read bowlers and conditions better than many younger players. Since Karun is naturally not a hard pinch-hitter, he can come at no.3 and face more deliveries, thus increasing his chances to contribute significantly. The triple-centurion is a gem of a batsman and has the tenacity to play a long innings. Being technically astute against pace and spin, Karun can anchor the innings and allow the finishers or the aggressive batters to play freely around him.

It was not only a double ton for Karun Nair; it was the statement he made to the board. After years of hard work, the right-handed batter seems close to the mark he has been waiting for so long. Nair came to bat at number 3 against England Lions in their backyard and scored a double century: a 204-run innings of 281 balls. 

Team India will travel to England for a 5-match Test series after the conclusion of IPL 2025. Before that, BCCI sent the supremely talented India A team to England for some preparations through some unofficial tests with England Lions.

At The Spitfire Ground, Canterbury, both teams are facing a green top surface, with a clouded sky and breeze—a classic English condition. England Lions pacers got the movement they wanted with the new ball and picked up the wickets of India. Skipper Abhimanyu Easwaran and Yashasvi Jaiswal.

Read More: Massive setback for England: Star pacer ruled out of the Eng-WI series

Reflection of xperience and hardwork 

Home team bowlers faced the mammoth challenge after that. As the match became more mature, Nair started to play stroke after stroke throughout Day 1. Nair paired up with 5 different teammates in the middle during his 204 run innings. 

With Sarfaraz Khan, he stitched a partnership of 181, and with Dhruv Jurel, the partnership expanded for 195 runs. Before being caught by James Rew of Zaman Akhter, Nair hammered twenty-six 4s and one 6. Before the launch break of Day 2, India was at 533 for 7 in 119 overs. 

Social media flooded with reactions 

Doosra Mauka Zindagi sabko deti bas shart ye hai ki aap kitne tayyar Hain
Well played #KarunNair pic.twitter.com/y0Rs5V1tsY

— Rohit Juglan (@rohitjuglan) May 31, 2025

- Dropped from Team India.
- Worked hard on his game.
- Scored truck loads of runs in domestic.
- 9 Hundreds in a single domestic season.
- Picked in India & India A Squad for England Tour.
- Now Double Hundred in first innings.

KARUN NAIR IS TRULY BACK..!!!!! 🫡🌟 pic.twitter.com/P0QN12QEHz

— Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) May 31, 2025

🚨 DOUBLE HUNDRED FOR KARUN NAIR 🚨

- Batting at 3 for India A in his return to the team, he has made statement, What a knock, unbelievable innings from Karun against England Lions 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/09WOd2IcK5

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) May 31, 2025

DOUBLE HUNDRED BY KARUN NAIR. 🇮🇳

- 203* (272) by Nair for India A, he's making a grand return in the Red Ball team. 💯 pic.twitter.com/42kmQsTrnB

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) May 31, 2025

India A- 409/3 (90 Overs)

When an entire nation experienced peak excitement for a Mumbai Indians vs. Gujarat Titans Eliminator match of IPL 2025, Karun Nair was busy doing what he can do best—playing a three-digit innings against England Lions for India A team at The Spitfire Ground, Canterbury.

India is set to make a visit to England for a 5-match Test series after the conclusion of the ongoing Indian Premier League season under Subhman Gill's leadership. Before that, it is the time for some preparations. 

Dominance by England Lions at the beginning of Day 1

India A Skipper Abhimanyu Easwaran walked back to the hut after a leg before the wicket cheaply only for an individual 8 runs. His opening partner, Yashasvi Jaiswal, scored a promising 24 and departed when India A struggled with 51 after losing the opening pair. Eddie Jack and Josh Hull positioned England Lion in the driving seat before Karun Nair and Sarfaraz Khan stitched a 181-run partnership, facing 235 balls. 

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The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) opted to drop Khan from the main squad of team India for the upcoming Test series. The batter, who recently lost weight to gain more fitness and scored tons of runs in the domestic circuit, went out for India A to make a 92-run innings, missing a century only by 8 runs.

But Nair, so far, showed no signs of taking a halt. The middle-order batter, who has a triple Test century in his bag, remained unbeaten for 186 after day 1 of the unofficial Test. The momentum gained by England Lions at the start of the match gradually lost their grip when Sarfaraz and Nair rotated strikes without any major bump.

At the end of the day, India A at the commanding position

After the departure of Sarfaraz, Karun Nair paired up with Dhruv Jurel for another long-lasting partnership, which will continue on Day 2. After the retirement of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, BCCI selectors have to fill up the void left by the two icons. India has multiple options as openers, but very few contenders for the number 3 spot, the position mostly remembered for Kohli.

Square for the unofficial Test: 

India A (Playing XI): Abhimanyu Easwaran(c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Karun Nair, Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel(w), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Shardul Thakur, Harsh Dubey, Anshul Kamboj, Harshit Rana, Mukesh Kumar.

England Lions (Playing XI): Tom Haines, Ben McKinney, Emilio Gay, Max Holden, James Rew(w/c), Dan Mousley, Rehan Ahmed, Zaman Akhter, Eddie Jack, Josh Hull, and Ajeet Dale.

The first unofficial Test between England Lions and India A started in a strong way for India A, where Karun Nair is approaching the memorable double-century after completing his 24th first-class hundred. Also, Sarfaraz Khan and Dhurv Jurel shone with the bat. 

India A are set to play a two-match unofficial Test series against the hosts England Lions and another unofficial Test against the senior Indian team in the tour before the senior team begins their five-match Test series journey against the hosts England. 

In the first unofficial Test, England Lions chose to field first after winning the toss on Friday morning (May 30). While the India A opener and captain Abhimanyu Easwaran was dismissed for eight runs, his opening partner Yashasvi Jaiswal was out after scoring 24 runs. But then Karun Nair and Sarfaraz Khan provided a solid comeback for India A. 

Karun Nair set two 150+ partnerships; batting at 186 not out

After both Nair and Sarfaraz completed their fifties, both were looking to complete their respective centuries together. However, Sarfaraz was dismissed for 92 runs off 119 balls (13), where he also set up an 181-run partnership for the third wicket, but Nair completed his 24th first-class century in style in 155 balls. 

India A ended the opening day of the four-day unofficial Test on 409/3, where Nair was not out at 186 off 246 balls with 24 fours and one six, and Dhurv Jurel scored 82 not out off 104 balls with nine fours and one six. Nair and Jurel have already added 177 runs for the unbroken fourth wicket. 

Also Read: ENG Lions vs IND A Day 1 Recap – Key performances and major Highlights from unofficial Test

Can Karun Nair return in Test cricket?

After a great start in the England tour, Indian cricket fans can't stop praising Nair, as they now have a strong belief in Nair's Test cricket return after more than eight years. 

HUNDRED BY KARUN NAIR. 🇮🇳

- 24th First class hundred by Nair, he's making a statement with India A ahead of the England Test series. 🌟 pic.twitter.com/MOeQpfyYCC

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) May 30, 2025  

What a comeback by Karun nair

HUNDRED FOR KARUN NAIR...!!!!

- What a comeback, a grand return into the team & scored a terrific Hundred against England Lions pic.twitter.com/WEe2GwUPCa

— JassPreet (@JassPreet96) May 30, 2025

Karun Nair is on 🔥! 🇮🇳💯 24th first-class hundred and he's making a strong statement ahead of the England Test series! 🌟 His form with India A is a great sign for the Test team. Let's see how he continues to shine in the international arena! 💪🏏 #KarunNair

— N K khaitan 🇮🇳 (@khaitan48) May 30, 2025

150 FOR KARUN NAIR AGAINST ENGLAND LIONS 🇮🇳 What a great news for the Test Series. pic.twitter.com/kpSMNM2gd2

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) May 30, 2025

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

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