ENG vs IND 2025: 'Karun Nair's dismissal in fourth innings was turning point in Lord's Test' - Ajinkya Rahane

India lost the third Test at the Lord's Cricket Ground by 22 runs to go 1-2 down in the five-match series against England, with the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy on the line. The Shubman Gill-led side failed to chase down a 193-run target at the Home of Cricket on the final day of the Test match.

India lost the wicket of Yashasvi Jaiswal early in their second innings on Day 4. However, KL Rahul and Karun Nair steadied the ship with a 36-run partnership off 66 balls for the second wicket. Brydon Carse, however, broke the stand as Nair shouldered arms to a nip-backer, which rapped him on the pads, adjacent to the wickets. The umpire had no hesitation in lifting his finger, and the right-handed batter made the wise call of not reviewing the decision as he was plumb in front of the stumps.

Nair made 14 off 33 balls. Shubman Gill and Akash Deep were also dismissed in the dying hours of Day 4 as England put the tourists under immense pressure.

Ajinkya Rahane believes that Nair's wicket served as a shot in the arm for Ben Stokes and Co. The Kolkata Knight Riders captain noted that England started bowling better after the dismissal, with a lot more intensity, and the fielding was also top-notch. Rahane also praised the character shown by the Three Lions.

"At that point in time, India were cruising. 40-odd for one, but lbw of Karun Nair that changed the game for India and England. I thought England came back in the game really well and after that, they started bowling well, their intensity on the field, their fielders, the character which they showed was amazing," Rahane said while speaking on his YouTube channel.

Nair's place in the side is under the scanner as the 33-year-old has only managed 131 runs in six innings at an average of 21.83. The fourth Test takes place at Emirates, Old Trafford, starting on Wednesday, July 23.