The BCCI has officially announced India’s 18-member squad for the upcoming five-match Test series against England, and one of the most unexpected yet exciting developments is the return of Karun Nair. The veteran batter has been recalled to the national Test side after nearly eight years, a move that has caught the attention of Indian cricket fans.
With Virat Kohli stepping away from the format, a spot has opened up in the top order. The selectors have opted to bring in an experienced yet underutilized talent in Karun Nair, who has been knocking on the door with consistent performances in domestic cricket.
Comeback After 8 Years of Waiting
Karun Nair last featured in a Test match for India back in March 2017. Since then, he has largely been out of the international spotlight. However, his commitment to the domestic circuit has paid off. Nair’s return comes at a crucial transition point for the Indian Test team, which is beginning a new era under the captaincy of Shubman Gill.
Notably, the retirement of veterans like Virat Kohli has created a vacuum of experience in the batting lineup. Nair, who once etched his name in the record books with a historic triple century against England in 2016, is seen as a potential stabilizer in the top order.
Dominating the Domestic Circuit
Over the last few seasons, Karun Nair has been a force to reckon with in domestic cricket. Representing Vidarbha in the 2024–25 Ranji Trophy, he amassed 863 runs in 9 matches, including 4 centuries and 2 half-centuries. He carried this momentum into the Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he smashed 779 runs in just 9 matches, featuring 5 centuries.
His return is a testament to hard work and perseverance. While many players fade away after being dropped from the national setup, Nair stayed focused, continually improving his game and delivering top-tier performances season after season.
Nair’s International Record So Far
Before this recall, Karun Nair had played 6 Test matches for India, scoring 374 runs at an impressive average of 62.33. His most notable performance came in December 2016 when he scored an unbeaten 303 against England, becoming only the second Indian to achieve a triple century in Test cricket after Virender Sehwag.
In addition to his Test appearances, Nair has played 2 ODIs, scoring 46 runs at an average of 23. While his white-ball career has not taken off, his Test credentials remain promising, especially with the experience he brings to the table.
A Golden Opportunity in England
The England tour presents a fresh opportunity for Karun Nair to re-establish himself on the international stage. Given India’s rebuilding phase in the red-ball format, his presence could prove crucial in guiding younger players and providing solidity in the middle order.
