Indian cricketer Karun Nair has once again found himself on the wrong side of selection, after being dropped from the national Test squad for the upcoming two-match West Indies series starting October 2nd.
The 33-year-old right-handed batsman, who had recently been handed another lifeline in the Test format during India’s England tour, could not fully capitalise on the opportunity.
Nair’s comeback stint turned out to be short-lived, as inconsistent performances in England meant that the selectors opted for a fresh face in Devdutt Padikkal.
The final 15-player squad, announced by Ajit Agarkar, chairman of the men’s senior selection committee, also marked the return of Axar Patel and Nitish Kumar Reddy, while N. Jagadeesan retained his place after earning a maiden call-up for the fifth Test against England.
Karun Nair’s Disappointment
Reacting to the decision, Nair admitted he was deeply disappointed and had indeed expected to be part of the squad for the upcoming home series.
Yes, I did expect the selection. I don’t know what to say. No words. I don’t have many comments to make. It’s very difficult for me to answer. You should probably ask the selectors what they are thinking,” said a visibly upset Nair while speaking to The Times of India.
Nair also pointed to his contribution in the final Test against England, where he scored a fighting half-century in the first innings when most of his teammates struggled.
The only thing is, in the last Test match, I scored a fifty when no one else managed in the first innings. So, yeah, I thought I contributed to the team, especially in the last game that we won. But, yeah, it is what it is. Those things don’t matter,” he added.
Struggles on the England Tour
Despite that lone bright knock, Nair’s overall numbers in England told a different story. In four Test matches, he managed to score just 205 runs at an average of 25.62, with only one half-century to his name. The selectors appear to have weighed his overall inconsistency more heavily than his occasional flashes of form.
Determined to Prove Himself Again
Acknowledging the setback, Nair stated that while he had given his best efforts, the decision was out of his control. He also made it clear that he would now shift focus to domestic cricket to make a strong case for a comeback.
There’s nothing much I can say. There’s nothing much that I can do to change anything. So, yeah, I just have to keep going. At least from my point of view, not from others’ point of view. In my head, I’m very clear. I did my best, they have made the decision, and you have to respect that,” he said.
Selectors’ Perspective: ‘Expected More from Karun’
Meanwhile, chief selector Ajit Agarkar was candid while explaining the decision during the squad announcement in Dubai.
Frankly, we expected a little more from Karun. He played four Tests, and you spoke about one innings. That’s the way it is. We feel Padikkal offers a little more at this point. Wish we could give everyone 15–20 Tests,” Agarkar remarked.
The decision brings an abrupt pause to Karun Nair’s second innings in Test cricket. While his determination to fight back remains intact, it is clear that the selectors are looking for consistency and impact at the highest level.
For Nair, the road to redemption will once again pass through the grind of domestic cricket, where he will hope to rediscover the form that once made him a triple-centurion in Tests.
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