Karun Nair Injured During Practice Ahead of Test Match

LEEDS: The Indian cricket team has encountered a setback as Karun Nair, who was set to make his return to the squad after a prolonged absence, suffered an injury during a practice session. The incident was reported by various Indian media outlets.

Nair’s comeback to the Indian side after eight years was fueled by strong performances in domestic cricket. He was anticipated to be included in India’s playing XI for the Headingley Test against England, commencing on Friday.

Reports indicate that Nair was struck on his ribs by a rapid delivery while practicing, after which he appeared to be in discomfort. The Indian team’s management has not yet released an official statement regarding his condition. His participation in the initial match is now uncertain.

This event transpired just two days before the commencement of the first Test in the five-match series between India and England. This series also signifies the beginning of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27 cycle for both competing nations.

Nair, who was hoping to make his first Test appearance since 2017, was hit on the ribs by a sharp delivery from pacer Prasidh Krishna during a net session.

Once considered a potential future star after becoming only the second Indian batter to achieve a Test triple-century, the right-handed batter had been previously sidelined from the team despite some impressive performances.

However, a noteworthy domestic season in 2024-25, highlighted by a recent double century in the India A versus England Lions series and a pivotal contribution to Vidarbha’s Ranji Trophy victory, secured his recall to the national team.

The five-match Test series between England and India is scheduled to begin at Headingley, Leeds, on June 20, with subsequent matches at Edgbaston, Lord’s, Old Trafford, and The Oval.

India squad for England Tests:
  • Shubman Gill (captain)
  • Rishabh Pant (vice captain)
  • Yashasvi Jaiswal
  • KL Rahul
  • Sai Sudharsan
  • Abhimanyu Easwaran
  • Karun Nair
  • Nitish Reddy
  • Ravindra Jadeja
  • Dhruv Jurel
  • Washington Sundar
  • Shardul Thakur
  • Jasprit Bumrah
  • Mohammed Siraj
  • Prasidh Krishna
  • Akashdeep
  • Arshdeep Singh
  • Kuldeep Yadav