• Home
  • Cricket Analysis
  • Karun Nair Or Sai Sudharsan Who Should Bat At No 3 For India In 4Th Test Vs England

Karun Nair Or Sai Sudharsan: Who Should Bat At No. 3 For India In 4th Test Vs England?

Jatin

Karun Nair and Sai Sudharsan [Source: @CricCrazyDeepak, @AhmedGT_/x.com]Karun Nair and Sai Sudharsan [Source: @CricCrazyDeepak, @AhmedGT_/x.com]

Team India is on the ropes. Down 1-2 in the five-match Test series against England, the visitors need to come out all guns blazing at Old Trafford starting July 23.

And while there are a few puzzle pieces still to fall in place, one of the biggest question marks sits right at No. 3: Karun Nair or Sai Sudharsan? Both come with their own baggage, both offer something different and the stakes couldn’t be higher.

So who really deserves that spot in a game where India can’t afford a misstep? Let’s break it down.

Karun Nair And The Case Of Missed Opportunities

Pros

  • Experienced And Composed: Karun Nair isn’t new to the big stage. He has already played three Tests this series which gives him a solid read of conditions and England’s attack.
  • Decent Starts: He has not been flashy but he has managed to blunt the new ball, which is a crucial task at No. 3 in England. On a pitch like Manchester where the ball can nip around early, that sort of experience helps. He may not have the runs to show, but he’s been getting starts, and sometimes, that’s the signal that a big knock is around the corner.
  • Low False Shot Percentage: According to CricViz, his false shot % is 20.9, the fourth-lowest among top-order batters this series behind only Shubman Gill, KL Rahul and Joe Root.
  • Good Temperament: He hasn’t looked out of place or nervous at the crease. His defence has looked tight and he has shown the ability to bat time.

Cons

  • Conversion Rate: Despite decent starts, Karun has failed to cross 50 even once. 131 runs in three matches at an average of 27.75 just doesn’t cut it at this level.
  • Too Defensive: He has played 43.9% of his shots defensively and his dot ball percentage is 73.8% which is third-highest among top-order players. That kind of approach can stall momentum.
  • Uncertain Future: At 33, Karun may not be seen as a long-term investment. If he fails again, it could very well be his last go in national colours.

The Risk And Reward Of Playing Sai Sudharsan

Pros

  • Youth And Flamboyance: Sai Sudharsan is just 23 and already looks like a player built for the big stage. His 30 in the second innings at Leeds showed fight and maturity after a duck in the first.
  • Left-Handed Advantage: With an Indian batting lineup full of right-handers, Sai adds variation, something England’s bowlers would be forced to adjust to. A set left-hander could really mess with the hosts’ bowling lines.
  • Positive Mindset: Unlike Karun, Sai tends to look for scoring options early, which can take pressure off the dressing room.

Cons

  • Inexperienced: He has played just one Test and throwing him into a do-or-die clash could backfire. There is always a risk of a rookie error under pressure.
  • Rust Factor: He hasn’t played since the first Test and has been benched for two games. Bringing him back for such a high-stakes encounter may affect rhythm.

Conclusion

This one is a tough call between consistency and spark. If India wants to play it safe, Karun Nair is the logical pick. He has already faced this attack, spent time out there and shown glimpses of form. While the big score is still missing, he is better prepped for English conditions after three Tests.

But if India wants to go bold and break the pattern, Sai Sudharsan brings youthful exuberance and a left-handed option, something that could throw England’s plans off track.

At 1-2 down, India can’t afford to gamble too much. Karun Nair might just get one last shot to prove he still belongs. But it wouldn’t be a surprise if the team management pulls a rabbit out of the hat.