Sports

IIE DIGITAL DESK : June 19, 2025 — India’s middle-order batter Karun Nair endured a scare during net practice yesterday at Headingley, throwing a slight shadow over his anticipated return to Test cricket. Nair, set to play his first Test since 2017 in the opening match against England this Friday, was struck on the ribs by a fiery delivery from fast bowler Prasidh Krishna.

The incident occurred during a high-intensity session as the Indian squad geared up for the first Test of a five-match series and the new ICC World Test Championship cycle. Television footage shows Nair wince and clutch his side briefly before resuming practice under the watchful eye of team staff.

Krishna immediately checked on Nair’s condition. Although visibly in discomfort, Nair shook off concerns, shared a laugh with support staff, and even pointed to where the ball had struck him. In the dressing room afterward, he confirmed he was “All OK” and continued the session .

Nair earned a remarkable recall to Test cricket following a spectacular domestic season—capped by a Ranji Trophy triumph with Vidarbha and a prolific run against England Lions. At 33, he returns to a squad in generational transition after the retirements of stalwarts Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravichandran Ashwin. Often under consideration for the pivotal No. 3 or No. 4 batting slot, the Mumbai-born right-hander’s form and fitness are under intense scrutiny.

England’s pacers, known for aggressive, attacking lines in the nets, have routinely rattled visiting batsmen. This rib blow could momentarily hinder Nair's preparation for English swinging conditions .

Indian team officials remain confident. Nair shrugged off the incident, maintained his fitness, and completed the training session. The management underscored that it was a routine knock in fast-bowler drills and poses no threat to his Test debut.

The Indian squad, now under the leadership of new captain Shubman Gill and vice-captain Rishabh Pant, continues focused preparation at Headingley. With Prasidh Krishna impressing in nets and fast bowlers leading their own charge, Nair’s slight stumble is not expected to derange the team’s plans .

Pending fitness confirmation from the net session, selectors will monitor Nair’s participation in today’s light training drill. If cleared, he will be a strong candidate for the playing XI—potentially filling the crucial No. 3 position alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal.

With the series start looming on June 20, the focus now shifts back to form, technique, and staying clear of further net session setbacks. England’s aggressive “Bazball” attack style will test India’s readiness, but fitness remains the first checkpoint.

A momentary scare in practice has highlighted the fine margins ahead of a high-stakes Test debut. But Karun Nair’s resilience and prompt recovery suggest this episode is more of a cautionary footnote than a threat to India’s opening XI plans in Leeds.