Caught on camera: Karun Nair breaks down after being dropped, childhood friend KL Rahul consoles him

Karun Nair and KL Rahul (Image credit: X)

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Karun Nair made his long-awaited return to Test cricket after eight years, hoping for a fresh start—big runs, solid partnerships, and a statement comeback. But the reality turned out differently. After underwhelming performances in the first three Tests, Nair was dropped from India’s playing XI for the fourth Test at Old Trafford.He managed just 131 runs across six innings, prompting the team management to bring in B Sai Sudharsan in his place.A photo that has gone viral on social media shows an emotional Karun Nair in tears, with star cricketer and childhood friend KL Rahul seen consoling him—capturing the raw emotion of a tough moment in the cricketer's journey.Nair's return began on a disappointing note. In the opening Test at Headingley, he was dismissed for a duck in the first innings and made just 20 in the second. He was retained for the second Test, where he scored 31 and 26. In the third Test, he showed glimpses of form with a 40-run knock in the first innings, but could only manage 14 in the second.With his place under scrutiny, India captain Shubman Gill made the call to leave him out for the fourth Test.Three changes were made to the playing XI. Anshul Kamboj was handed a Test debut, while Sai Sudharsan and Shardul Thakur were also included. Sudharsan replaced Karun, and Shardul came in for Nitish Kumar Reddy, who was ruled out due to a left knee injury.Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif criticised Gill for not backing Nair at a crucial juncture.“Today was Shubman Gill's chance to back Karun who was down but deserved one more chance. He should have picked Karun Nair. Chance missed to earn the respect when it comes to making tough decisions as a leader,” Kaif posted on X.England currently lead the five-match series 2-1, following their dramatic 22-run victory in the third Test at Lord’s.

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