Farokh Engineer, a former Indian cricketer, used harsh words to criticize Karun Nair for failing to make an impression with the bat in the ongoing Test series against England.

The Vidarbha hitter, who returned to the Indian side after an eight-year absence, has failed to score 50 runs in six innings, and with India down 1-2, his spot in the XI is under threat. He has scored only 131 runs with a batting average of less than 22 and has failed to reach the top three and five.

Farokh slammed Karun for not converting his starts into big scores, which is required from a batter who is batting at number 3.

"Karun Nair has been getting brilliant 20s and 30s. He's (Nair) scored a beautiful 30 runs, beautiful cover drives, and all that. But a beautiful 30 is not expected from a No. 3. You've got to get a not-so-beautiful 100. You need runs on the board. You need to score bigger. The expectation should be much higher," he told the Times of India.

This is Nair’s comeback to the Indian Test team after 8 years. He reeled off runs in domestic cricket, especially in the 2024-25 season. He scored 863 runs in nine Ranji Trophy matches, averaging nearly 54, including a critical century in the final against Kerala.

His form continued into the Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he scored 779 runs in eight innings at a staggering average of 389.50, including five centuries.

Engineer also urged head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Shubman Gill to sort out a player to replace Karun Nair, who can win them matches. India has options of Sai Sudharsan and Abhimanyu Easwaran to choose from.

The ex-India wicketkeeper recommended Sai Sudharsan’s name, who made his Test debut for India in the first Test, scoring a duck and 30.

"We should pick the best XI. I haven't seen much of Sai Sudharsan. You've got to pick the best player for the time being. Who's going to give you maximum? You are playing for your country. Your reputation is at stake. So, I would say, forget the age. If he's good, play him to win this Test match," said Engineer.

The fourth test of the series begins on July 23 in Manchester, while the final test will be played at the Oval from July 31 onwards.