KL Rahul and Karun Nair displayed outstanding batting form in the unofficial Test series against the England Lions. The countdown has begun for India’s 2025 tour of England, with the first Test scheduled to start on June 20 at Headingley, Leeds. India and England will face off in a thrilling five-match Test series, culminating in the final game at the Kia Oval in London.
Led by new Test captain Shubman Gill, India’s squad is young and features many newcomers and less experienced players. The recent retirements of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma from Test cricket have left a significant gap in the batting lineup.
As a result, players like Karun Nair and KL Rahul carry a huge responsibility to prove their strength with the bat against England. Notably, Nair is making a return to the Test team after an eight-year absence, having last played in March 2017. Meanwhile, Rahul is expected to move up the batting order as an opener, stepping into the role previously held by former captain Sharma.
KL Rahul Praises Karun Nair’s Inspiring Test Comeback
In a conversation with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), KL Rahul expressed admiration for his teammate Karun Nair following Nair’s return to the Test squad. Rahul believes that Nair’s experience playing county cricket in England will be invaluable in the upcoming Test series against the Ben Stokes-led England team. Nair previously represented Northamptonshire in county cricket.
“It’s truly inspiring. I hope that the experience and lessons he gained from playing county cricket here will serve him well when he takes the field in the Test matches,” said the right-handed batsman.
“I’ve known him for a long time. The months he spent here in the UK playing cricket were tough and lonely, yet he worked hard to earn his place back in the Indian team. This comeback is special—not just for him, but for his family and for friends like us who have witnessed his journey,” the 33-year-old added.
Both players recently showcased excellent form for India A during the unofficial Test series against England Lions. Nair scored a double century in the first unofficial Test at St Lawrence Ground, Canterbury, while Rahul registered a century in the second match at Northampton.
