Karun Nair Faces Emotional Setback in Test Comeback

Karun Nair's return to the Indian Test team has been fraught with challenges, culminating in an emotional moment captured on social media. After a long absence from international cricket, Nair's performance has not met expectations, leading to speculation about his future. With his recent struggles and age against him, many believe this could be his last chance to secure a spot in the team. As he grapples with the pressure of the situation, a touching moment with teammate KL Rahul has sparked discussions about retirement. Read on to explore the highs and lows of Nair's comeback journey.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 25, 2025, 08:53 IST

Karun Nair's Challenging Return to International Cricket

Karun Nair's journey back to international cricket has not gone as he had hoped. The right-handed batsman made a remarkable return after nearly ten years away from the Test arena.

His last appearance for the Indian Test team was in early 2017, after which he was dropped. After eight years of hard work in domestic cricket, he was finally recalled for the current tour of England, following an impressive performance in the Ranji Trophy. He made an immediate impact by scoring a double century for India A against the England Lions.

Consequently, he was selected for the first Test against England. Unfortunately, Nair was dismissed for a duck in his first innings and managed only 20 runs in the second innings, contributing to India's loss in the series opener. Despite being retained for the second and third Tests, he struggled to make a significant impact.

In total, he scored just 131 runs across six innings at an average of 21.83, without reaching fifty. With the series at stake, the Indian management decided to drop him from the playing eleven for the ongoing fourth Test.

Emotional Moments for Karun Nair

Many observers believe that Karun Nair may have squandered his last opportunity to secure a permanent place in the Indian Test squad. Acknowledging his age, it seems that his prospects may be diminishing following this latest setback. Nair appears to be aware of the gravity of the situation.

A poignant image of him visibly emotional has circulated on social media, leading many to speculate that he might be contemplating retirement from international cricket. In the photo, KL Rahul is seen comforting Nair as he struggles to hold back tears.