Former England skipper Joe Root won the internet with his heartwarming gesture when he appreciated Karun Nair’s gritty knock of 52*(98) on a tough surface after he had failed numerous times in the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025.
Joe Root’s Sportsman Spirit Wins Hearts After Karun Nair’s Gritty Fifty
This gesture from Joe Root went viral on the internet, as fans appreciated the Test great’s sportsmanship and highlighted that this appreciation will give Karun Nair more confidence when he comes back to bat on Day 2.
Karun Nair’s moment of the series finally arrived as the batter reached his first Test fifty after a 9-year wait. The right-handed batter had made some valuable starts in earlier Tests, but poor conversion led to him being dropped for the 4th Test. However, he was given another chance in the ongoing 5th Test, where he came in at number 5 and got his “Cricket, give me one more chance” moment and used it wisely.
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Karun Nair came to bat when India was struggling at 83/3, having just lost their skipper Shubman Gill. He had a brief stay with Sai Sudharsan before Sudharsan was dismissed for 38 runs. Josh Tongue and the rain arrived, and it almost took away a complete session.
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Karun Nair Stands Tall with Gritty Fifty on Testing Day at The Oval
Coming back after a rain delay, the weather stayed overcast and, with a grassy top at The Oval, everyone thought it was pretty much over for India. But Karun Nair thought otherwise, as he focused on building his innings with patience.
Despite running out of partners, his resilient knock disrupted England’s momentum, as they failed to take any wickets in the last 15 overs of Day 1.. Nair and Sundar remained unbeaten with a 50-run stand, taking India to 204/6 at stumps.
Karun Nair’s innings was considered special because he reached his half-century on a grassy surface and under overcast conditions, which usually favor bowlers. He stood tall and stayed unbeaten on 52*(98) at the end of Day 1.
Stay tuned for more updates on the England vs India 5th Test.
