After a disappointing loss in the Kolkata Test, Team India moved on to the next match with optimism, but the performances have been below par. South Africa set a big total while batting first, and India experienced another unexpected batting collapse.

Karun Nair was given a chance to play in England but was dropped from the team after one tour. Following Sai Sudharsan’s failure and India’s collapse, the Karnataka batter shared a cryptic post. Nair wrote, “Some conditions carry a feel you know by heart, and the silence of not being out there adds its own sting.”

Eventually, India were bowled out for 201 runs. Yashasvi Jaiswal played a patient knock of 58, while Washington Sundar added 48. However, the rest of the batting order failed to make an impact. South Africa now leads by a massive 314 runs. At the close of Day 3, Ryan Rickelton (13) and Aiden Markram were at the crease.

Karun Nair, a triple-centurion for India, was out of the squad for eight years before finally receiving a call-up for the England series. Although there were high hopes, he could only score one half-century. Following the series, he was dropped from the home Test series against West Indies and South Africa.

When asked about Nair’s exclusion, chief selector Ajit Agarkar responded by saying they had expected more from him. “Honestly, we expected more from Karun. He played four Tests, and you’re focusing on just one innings. That’s how it goes. Right now, we feel Padikkal brings a bit more to the table. I wish we could give everyone 15-20 Tests,” Agarkar had stated.