Karun Nair Set for Test Comeback Against England After Eight Years
Karun Nair's Exciting Return to Test Cricket
New Delhi, June 12: Karun Nair, the Indian batter, is thrilled to return to the Test squad after an eight-year absence, as he prepares for the five-match series against England starting June 20.
Nair has been in exceptional form, recently scoring a double century against the England Lions during the first unofficial Test in Canterbury. In the IPL 2025 season, he participated in eight matches for Delhi Capitals, accumulating 198 runs, which included a half-century.
Having made his Test debut against England in Mohali in 2016, Nair famously scored an unbeaten 303 in his third Test in Chennai. However, following that remarkable innings, he played only three home Tests against Australia in 2017 before being dropped due to a string of low scores.
Despite the setbacks, Nair remained hopeful about rejoining the Indian team. After transferring his base from Karnataka to Vidarbha in 2023, he scored 690 runs in 10 matches and followed it up with 863 runs in nine Ranji Trophy games in 2024, including four centuries, one of which was in the finals, leading Vidarbha to victory.
His impressive performance in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he scored 779 runs in just eight innings with five centuries, led to his selection by Delhi Capitals in the 2024 IPL mega auction for ₹50 lakh.
"It feels incredibly special, and I am very grateful for this opportunity. I am eager to seize it with both hands," Nair expressed in a video shared by the BCCI on social media.
"I can't fully articulate the emotions I will experience, but I know it will be a unique feeling," he added.
During a pre-training meeting, head coach Gautam Gambhir commended Nair's return to the Test side after such a long hiatus, stating, "Comebacks are challenging. Someone returning after eight years and having a phenomenal last year is inspiring. Your never-give-up attitude has brought you back into the team. Welcome, Karun."
With the recent retirements of key players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, Nair is expected to fill a middle-order position, drawing on his County experience with Northamptonshire, where he scored 487 runs in seven matches at an average of 48.70, including a double century.
KL Rahul, Nair's former teammate from Karnataka, expressed joy over his return to the Indian team. "Knowing him for so long, I understand the challenges he faced while playing in the UK. His comeback is special for him and his loved ones who have witnessed his journey. His experiences in county cricket will be beneficial in the upcoming Test matches," Rahul stated in a video.
The crucial Test series against England will take place from June 20 to August 4, with matches scheduled at Headingley, Edgbaston, Lord’s, Old Trafford, and The Oval. India aims to secure a Test series victory in England for the first time since 2007.