Karun Nair, once a celebrated name in Indian cricket, has re-emerged in the spotlight after his phenomenal performances in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy. The 33-year-old batter has amassed an incredible 664 runs, including four consecutive centuries, with scores of 112, 44, 163, 111, 112, and 122. Despite his stellar form, questions linger over his abrupt exit from the national team and the reasons behind it.
A Star Cut Short: Nair’s Brief International Stint
Nair made his international debut in 2016 following consistent performances in the domestic circuit. In his third Test match, he announced himself with a sensational triple century against England, becoming only the second Indian batter to achieve the feat. However, his international career was abruptly cut short after just six Tests, with his last appearance coming in 2017 against Australia.
Despite his achievements, Nair was dropped from the team without adequate explanation, leaving fans and cricketing experts puzzled. His ongoing performances in the Vijay Hazare Trophy have reignited discussions about his omission from the national setup.
Robin Uthappa Criticizes Selection Policies
Former India cricketer Robin Uthappa recently shed light on the politics and inconsistencies in team selection, drawing parallels between Nair’s case and other similar instances. Speaking to The Lallantop, Uthappa criticized the selection committee, stating, “If you don’t believe in a player’s ability, then don’t give them false promises. Just be honest and let them focus on domestic cricket. Karun Nair was dropped after scoring a triple century in just his third Test, which is shocking and reflects poorly on our cricket ecosystem.”
Ravichandran Ashwin’s WTC Final Snubs Highlight Selection Bias
Uthappa further illustrated his point by referencing Ravichandran Ashwin’s exclusion from two ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Finals. Despite being instrumental in India’s success leading up to the finals, Ashwin was controversially left out. “Ashwin, one of the world’s best spinners, was excluded due to preferences. In the first WTC Final, he was dropped citing pitch conditions, even though he is effective on any surface. In the second final at The Oval, where the pitch spins after Day 3, he was still sidelined. How can you leave out someone who helped you reach the final?” Uthappa questioned.
Cultural and Regional Politics in Selection
Highlighting deeper issues within Indian cricket, Uthappa pointed to cultural and regional biases that have influenced selection decisions. “India is culturally diverse, almost like 4-5 different countries within one. At times, regions like Mumbai, Delhi, Gujarat, or Punjab seem to have undue influence, while players from other regions, like Karnataka, face challenges despite their talent,” he remarked.
Nair’s Unmatched Vijay Hazare Trophy Feat
Nair’s exploits in the Vijay Hazare Trophy have made history, as he became the first batter in List A cricket to score the most runs without being dismissed. His remarkable consistency has not only taken Vidarbha to the semi-finals but has also reignited the debate around his mysterious exclusion from Team India.
A Call for Merit-Based Selection
Karun Nair’s resurgence underscores the importance of merit-based selection in Indian cricket. As his incredible form puts him back on the selectors’ radar, fans and experts hope for greater transparency and fairness in team-building decisions, ensuring that talent like Nair’s isn’t left to fade away.
