ENG vs IND 2025: Karun Nair's career is well and truly back after tough fifty, says Dinesh Karthik

Indian middle-order batter Karun Nair came to the rescue after the top order faltered despite getting decent starts. On Day 1 of the fifth Test against England at The Oval, Nair's unbeaten half-century anchored India to 204/6 on a rain-affected day. He was well supported by Washington Sundar, who remained unbeaten on 19 off 45 deliveries at the other end.

Former India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik believes that Nair’s career is well and truly back on track. Nair, who was dropped for the fourth Test in Manchester, was recalled for this crucial match, replacing Shardul Thakur in the playing XI.

After struggling in the first three Tests of the series, Nair's place in the team was under serious scrutiny. With talks of his career hanging by a thread, this performance at The Oval may prove to be a pivotal turning point for the talented batter.

"Well played, Karun Nair. That's a high-quality fifty in real tough conditions. Karun Nair's career is well and truly back. If he hadn't played this Test, then the team management could well have looked beyond him," Karthik said in commentary.

Former Indian pacer Varun Aaron also felt that the Oval Test could have been Nair’s last chance. However, Nair seized the opportunity with both hands, especially on a challenging pitch that offered significant assistance to the bowlers.

"This could have been his last chance, but he has capitalised. The pitch was doing a lot, but Karun Nair is standing tall. What stood out was Karun Nair's purposeful attempt to have soft hands to deliveries outside off stump," Aaron said.

Nair, who played his first Test in eight years at Leeds, was finally able to convert a start, and considering the challenging conditions, his unbeaten fifty was worth its weight in gold.