Despite his exceptional performances in domestic cricket, Karun Nair was overlooked for India’s squad for the Champions Trophy 2025. However, the seasoned batter remains determined to make a comeback in Test cricket, a format he still dreams of representing India in.
Nair’s Champions Trophy Omission
Nair, who last played a Test for India in 2017, was in outstanding form during the Vijay Hazare Trophy, finishing as the tournament’s highest run-getter. He amassed 779 runs in eight innings at an astonishing average of 389.50, registering five centuries and a fifty. Despite these impressive numbers, he did not make the final squad for the Champions Trophy, though BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar confirmed that his name was discussed during selection meetings.
In an interview with Sports Today, Nair admitted that making the Champions Trophy squad was not something he had been focusing on. “If I’m being honest, before the tournament, I wasn’t even thinking about it. It felt quite far away. Of course, as a player, you have dreams and aspirations, but you never really know if they will come true,” he said.
Test Cricket Remains the Ultimate Goal
While missing out on a place in the limited-overs squad was disappointing, Nair remains committed to his ultimate goal—earning a Test recall. “I still have the dream of playing Test cricket for India. That was the only thing on my mind. I wasn’t even expecting to be considered for the Champions Trophy, so I feel grateful that my name was even mentioned,” he added.
Remembering His Historic Triple Century
Nair’s most memorable moment in international cricket came in 2016, when he scored an unbeaten 303 against England in Chennai, becoming only the second Indian after Virender Sehwag to register a triple-century in Test cricket. However, despite this historic feat, he struggled to cement his place in the team and has been out of the national setup since 2017.
Praise from Sachin Tendulkar
Despite the setbacks, Nair continues to impress on the domestic circuit and has received praise from cricketing greats. Recently, Sachin Tendulkar lauded his performances in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, a moment Nair described as one of the biggest highlights of his career.
“It was an incredible feeling to receive appreciation from my childhood hero. I am really grateful that he took the time to acknowledge my efforts. However, I know that I need to keep performing consistently. Every game and every innings counts,” Nair said.
Looking Ahead
At 32 years old, Nair remains hopeful of making a comeback in the longest format of the game. His recent form suggests that he still has plenty to offer, and if he continues to perform at the domestic level, a return to the Indian Test team might not be far away.
