Test Cricketer Karun Nair Re-joins Indian Squad for England Series, Supported by KL Rahul Following 8-Year Absence
Karun Nair, the indomitable Indian batter set to return to the national scene after eight long years, has opened up about his emotional comeback to the Indian squad for the upcoming England series, alongside his close friend and Karnataka teammate KL Rahul. In a season marked by incredible performances, Nair's inclusion could see him make his first Test appearance in eight years, as the senior trio of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravichandran Ashwin make way for a smooth transition during the five-match series in England.
Nair's domestic season last year was nothing short of sensational, culminating in an astounding 863 runs in Ranji Trophy 2024-25, including four centuries and two fifties in 16 innings across nine matches. The icing on the cake was a thrilling best score of 135 in the final, leading his team to victory.
In addition, his exceptional performance in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25 earned him the title of top-scorer, with a staggering 779 runs in just nine matches and eight innings, boasting an average of 389.50, five centuries, and a single fifty. His best score of 163* played a crucial role in his team's run to the finals, despite ultimately losing to his former team, Karnataka.
Nair also shone in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy T20 competition, making 255 runs in six innings, averaging 42.50, with three half-centuries and a best score of 77. Despite being knocked out in the quarterfinals, his impressive season showcased his prowess as a formidable batter.
In 2017, Nair last played a Test for India against Australia and slipped out of the limelight after scoring a historic triple ton against England at Chennai in 2016. Despite strong domestic performances, limited opportunities in the main squad led some to advise him to retire. However, Nair continued to grind it out, waiting for another chance.
On reflecting on his return to the national set-up, Nair expressed his immense gratitude, calling it a special and fortunate opportunity, one that he's looking forward to seizing. KL Rahul, his childhood friend and former teammate, tipped his hat to Nair's unwavering dedication, particularly during his time in UK, grinding it out in county cricket.
With scores of 736 runs in 10 matches and 14 innings in the County Championship for Northamptonshire in 2023 and 2024 seasons, an impressive double ton (202*) against England Lions, and a notable best score of 135 in the final for his domestic team Vidarbha, Nair's consistent performances both on and off the domestic circuit have paved the way for his second chance at the international stage.
The series will unfold from June to August 2025, with matches scheduled at Headingley in Leeds, Edgbaston in Birmingham, Lord's and The Oval in London, and Old Trafford in Manchester. India's formidable 16-man Test squad for the England series includes Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Nitish Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel, Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, and Arshdeep Singh, with Kuldeep Yadav joining as support staff.
Despite obstacles and setbacks, Nair's unwavering determination has earned him a well-deserved recall to Team India. As he takes the field again, against the same opponents he faced in his historic debut, Karun Nair embodies the spirit of resilience, relentless hard work, and determination that embody the game of cricket.
Karun Nair's extraordinary domestic performances, including a sensational 863 runs in the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 and a top-scorer title in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25, have cemented his position as a formidable batter in the Indian cricket scene. Now, as he prepares to make his return to the international stage in the upcoming England series, sports enthusiasts eagerly await his potential impact on the field.
