Karun Nair is set to return to the Indian Test cricket team after nearly 3000 days since his last match in 2017 against Australia. The talented batter, who previously achieved the remarkable feat of scoring a triple century in Test cricket, will don the Indian whites once again as he has been included in the squad for the upcoming five-match Test series in England scheduled from June to August 2025.
During the past eight years, Nair has faced exclusion from the national team but demonstrated resilience by continuing to excel in domestic cricket. His performances during the 2024-25 domestic season were stellar, with 863 runs in the Ranji Trophy—including four centuries—and 779 runs in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he scored five centuries. This impressive form undoubtedly caught the attention of the selectors, leading to his comeback.
Coach B. Shivanand, who has seen Nair’s journey closely, expressed his confidence in Nair’s abilities. He noted that throughout his long wait, Nair remained hopeful and steadfast in his belief that he would get another chance to play for India. Shivanand recalled how determined Nair was to prove himself, consistently focusing on scoring runs in domestic competitions and the IPL.
Nair, who made his Test debut against England in 2016 as the 287th player to represent India, is now returning to the Test arena at the age of 33—ironically against the same team. Shivanand believes that Nair’s hunger and drive will be clearly visible when he takes to the field, stating, “This time, you’ll see a different Karun.” He expressed anticipation that Nair will answer critics with strong performances, potentially leading to significant contributions for the Indian team in the series.
Nair’s journey serves as an inspiring tale of persistence for aspiring athletes, showing that with dedication and hard work, comebacks are possible even after long periods away from the sport. As he prepares to seize this opportunity, the cricket community is eager to witness his performance in this fresh chapter of his career.