Karun Nair Steps Back into the Spotlight
Cricket fans still remember that December 2016 match in Chennai. Karun Nair, barely three Tests into his career, put on a batting masterclass and smashed an unbeaten 303 against England. Only Virender Sehwag had gone that big for India before him. Yet, despite reaching those dizzying heights, Nair found his Test career suddenly cut short. It’s been eight long years since he last wore the India whites, but he’s finally been handed another shot.
His journey has been far from straightforward. After his triple-century, many expected Nair to anchor India's middle order for years. What followed instead was a string of missed calls and relentless bench time, pushed aside as more established players and younger prospects came through. He never really got a look-in, and opportunities slipped away, even as he continued to pile on runs in the domestic circuit.
Why India Needs Karun Nair Now
So what changed in 2025? India’s middle order hasn’t had the smoothest run lately—losses of form, injuries, and inconsistency have left selectors searching for both stability and flair. Enter Karun Nair, who’s quietly built a reputation as one of domestic cricket’s steadiest hands. His track record against England, of course, speaks for itself. The selectors noticed his hunger and grit, with Nair stacking up hundreds for Karnataka across formats—sometimes in tough conditions, often against strong bowling attacks.
For a batter, returning after nearly a decade isn’t easy. The pressure only gets heavier when the country expects you to live up to a remarkable legacy. But Nair’s story isn’t really about a fairy-tale comeback. It’s about hard work away from the spotlight: grinding it out on slow pitches in Ranji Trophy, carrying his state side, and maintaining focus.
This recall is a testament to his resilience. The selectors haven’t just picked a name—they’ve backed a mindset. They see someone with big-match temperament, the kind needed when England’s bowlers look for weaknesses. Nair knows how to pace a long innings, defend when required, and accelerate when he senses a tiring attack. That triple-century wasn’t just one outstanding day; it was proof he can stay switched on over five sessions, not just flashes of brilliance.
The challenge in 2025 is clear. India needs someone who can lend assurance to its middle order, adapt to different roles, and, if fate allows, pull off something extraordinary again. Only a few have been able to produce the sort of magic Karun Nair delivered against England in the past. With Karun Nair now back in the squad, those who follow Indian cricket can’t help but wonder—could a second memorable feat be in the making?
