Karun Nair Makes a Comeback to India's Test Squad Against England

Karun Nair's Return to the Test Team

Veteran Indian cricketer Karun Nair has been recalled to the national Test squad for the upcoming series against England. After being overlooked for eight years, Nair's impressive domestic performances have caught the attention of selectors, leading to his inclusion for the Test tour, which kicks off on June 20 at Headingley.

The recent retirements of key players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have left gaps in India's batting lineup, creating an opportunity for seasoned players like Nair to re-enter the team.

Nair, who made history as the second Indian to score a Test triple century in 2016, aims to solidify his position in the Test lineup and make significant contributions during the series against England. Interestingly, there were suggestions for him to retire from international cricket before this recall.

Advice to Retire and Focus on T20 Leagues

As the Indian team prepares for the first Test at Headingley, Nair disclosed that a well-known Indian cricketer had advised him to retire from international cricket and pursue T20 leagues, which offer lucrative opportunities.

"I recall a prominent cricketer suggesting I retire, emphasizing the financial security that T20 leagues could provide," Nair shared with a media outlet.

"While it would have been an easy choice, I knew I would regret giving up so easily, regardless of the financial aspect," he added.

Karun Nair's Stellar Domestic Season

Nair had an outstanding domestic season, representing Vidarbha after transferring from Karnataka before the 2024/25 season. His performance was pivotal in Vidarbha's Ranji Trophy victory over Kerala, where he scored 863 runs, including four centuries and two fifties, averaging 53.93 across nine matches. His century in the final was crucial for securing the title.

In the Vijay Hazare Trophy, Nair generated significant buzz on social media, accumulating 779 runs, with five centuries and a fifty, boasting an impressive average of 389.50 in nine matches.

Determination to Play for India

Despite the retirement advice, Nair expressed his unwavering commitment to making a comeback to the Indian team. "I was never going to give up on representing India again. Just over two years ago, I was in a different place, and now look at where I am. It’s remarkable, but I always believed in my abilities," he stated.

His experience in the County Championship, where he played for Northamptonshire, also contributed to his recall, as he scored 736 runs at an average of 56.61 over two seasons. Last season, he notably scored 487 runs, including a double century against Glamorgan, averaging 48 in 11 innings.

Recent Performance in Unofficial Tests

Before the Test series against England, Nair showcased his form and adaptability to English conditions during India A's two unofficial Tests against England Lions, scoring 259 runs, including a century, at an average of 86.33 in three innings. His performance included a double century in the first match, followed by scores of 40 and 15 in the second.