Karun Nair was included in the Indian squad for the Test series against England.
However, the Indian batter has reacted to his exclusion from the upcoming Test series against the West Indies. Karun Nair did not make the 15-member squad set to play the two-match home series next month.
Karun Nair had made a comeback to the Indian team after an eight-year gap during the England tour but struggled to make an impact. In the four Tests he played, he managed just 205 runs, including a solitary fifty.
One of the few triple centurions in Test cricket, Karun Nairr has worked tirelessly in the domestic circuit since being dropped in 2017. After posting a heartfelt note, “Dear Cricket, give me one more chance,” he earned another opportunity but failed to capitalize, scoring modestly in a series dominated by heavy batting performances.
Given India’s team management and selectors’ reputation for backing players, many expected Karun Nair to receive another series to prove himself. That opportunity, however, went to Devdutt Padikkal, as Nair was once again left out of the squad.
“I Scored a Fifty When No One Else Did – Karun Nair on His Omission”
Speaking candidly about his exclusion from the team, Karun Nair admitted he had expected to be selected. Finding it hard to articulate his feelings, he told TOI in an exclusive interview:
“Yes, I did expect the selection. I don’t know what to say… no words really. I don’t have much to comment on. It’s very difficult for me to answer,” Karun said.
Reflecting on his disappointment, he highlighted his contribution in the last Test, where he scored a fifty at a time when the team was struggling. He added:
“You should probably ask the selectors what they’re thinking. In the last Test match, I scored 50 when no one else managed runs in the first innings. I felt I contributed to the team, especially in that game we won. But well, it is what it is. Those things don’t matter now,” he said, visibly dejected.
Looking ahead, Karun Nair is focused on piling up runs in domestic cricket with an aim to force his way back into the national side.