ENG vs IND 2025: 'A beautiful 30 is not expected from a No. 3' - Farokh Engineer slams Karun Nair ahead of 4th Test

As India trail 1-2 in the ongoing five-match Test series against England, many ex-cricketers and fans have questioned the underwhelming form of Karun Nair at the No. 3 spot. Former India wicketkeeper Farokh Engineer has slammed Nair and has urged the team management to rethink their combination ahead of the must-win fourth Test at Manchester, starting July 23.

Nair, who forced his way back into the Indian Test team after an eight-year gap with a stellar 2024–25 domestic campaign, has failed to replicate that form on the international level. The 33-year-old scored 863 runs in the Ranji Trophy and followed it up with 779 runs in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. However, in the three Tests against England, the batter has managed just 131 runs at an average of 21.83, with a highest score of 40. Despite getting decent starts in a few innings, he has been unable to convert them into big knocks.

"Karun Nair has been getting brilliant 20s and 30s. He's (Nair) scored beautiful 30 runs, beautiful cover drives and all that. But a beautiful 30 is not expected from a No. 3. You've got to get a not-so-beautiful 100. You need runs on the board. You need (to score) bigger. The expectation should be much higher," Engineer told TOI.

Siraj's workload need to be managed: Ten Doeschate

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Siraj's workload need to be managed: Ten Doeschate

We should pick the best XI: Farokh Engineer

The former mentioned that the No. 3 position requires consistent performance, fighting power, and the ability to build long innings. With India looking to level the series, the former asked selectors and team management to field the best XI, asking for the return of Sai Sudharsan, who featured in the first Test and scored a 30 in the second innings. The southpaw was benched to accommodate another all-around option.

"We should pick the best XI. I haven't seen much of Sai Sudharsan. You've got to pick the best player for the time being. Who's going to give you maximum? You are playing for your country. Your reputation is at stake. So, I would say, forget the age. If he's good, play him to win this Test match," he added.

Meanwhile, India assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate pointed at Nair’s lack of big runs, but defended the batter’s presence in the team.

"Even someone like Karun, we feel his rhythm is good, his tempo is good. We want more runs from the three. But the message is mainly, let's really focus on what we've done well and tidy up the little things that have cost us results, essentially," Ryan ten Doeschate said.