Karun Nair’s Grit Shines After Early Drama in 5th Test against England
Karun Nair’s gritty unbeaten 52 rescued India after early wickets and a mix-up run-out of Gill on Day 1 of the 5th Test. India reached 204/6 before rain stopped play at The Oval.
Karun Nair (Photo courtesy BCCI)
Last Updated: 12.55 AM, Aug 01, 2025
Day 1 of the fifth and final Test between India and England at The Oval had a little bit of everything: early wickets, a dramatic run-out, a surprise half-century, and even some rain to shake things up.
India were sent in to bat first after losing the toss again, and things looked alright in the beginning. Shubman Gill and young debutant Sai Sudharsan started off steadily, handling the new ball well. But just when they seemed settled, disaster struck. A mix-up between the two led to Gill’s run-out for 21. He took off for a quick single, Sudharsan hesitated, and a brilliant throw from Gus Atkinson found Gill short of his crease. It was a frustrating moment, especially in such a crucial match.
Sudharsan showed promise and stuck around to make 38 before being bowled by a beauty from Josh Tongue. KL Rahul tried to settle things but was dismissed for 14, and then Ravindra Jadeja didn’t last long either, adding only 9 runs. India were suddenly looking shaky at 131 for 5.
That’s when Karun Nair stepped up. Playing his first Test in years, Nair looked calm and focused from the start. He didn’t try to do anything fancy, just stuck to the basics and slowly built his innings. He brought up his half-century after eight long years of waiting to wear the Test cap again, and it couldn’t have come at a better time for India. His unbeaten 52 was full of sensible strokeplay and quiet determination.
Washington Sundar also chipped in with a handy 19 not out, and together, they helped India recover to 204 for 6 by the time bad light and rain ended the day’s play early.
England’s bowlers had a decent day. Gus Atkinson was lively and accurate, picking up a wicket and causing that run-out. Josh Tongue took two important wickets, and Chris Woakes also got one before walking off with a shoulder injury that could be a worry for England going ahead.
Overall, it was a mixed day for India, some bright spots, some setbacks. But thanks to Karun Nair’s grit, they’re still in the game. Day 2 could be a big one, especially if the lower order can chip in and push the score past 300.