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In recent times, one player who has been creating a buzz with his impressive comeback story is Karun Nair. The talented middle-order batter, who once made history by becoming the second Indian to score a triple century in Test cricket, has been making waves in the domestic circuit. Nair, now the Vidarbha white-ball skipper, has been having an outstanding season in domestic cricket, showcasing his immense potential and determination to make a return to the national team. His performances, especially in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, have caught the attention of selectors. Nair not only delivered with the bat but also led Vidarbha to their maiden final appearance in the prestigious 50-over tournament.
Karun Nair had a fabulous Vijay Hazare Trophy season ahead of ICC Champions Trophy 2025 squad announcement
Karun Nair and his leadership qualities, combined with his consistent run-scoring ability, have made him one of the standout players of the season. The right-hander's form has reignited discussions about his potential inclusion in the Indian team, with many cricketing experts and fans backing him for a national call-up. This resurgence in his career comes after a few lean years for Nair, but his recent performances have proved that he still has much to offer. With his self-belief and strong performances, Karun Nair’s comeback story has become one of the most inspiring narratives in Indian cricket, highlighting the importance of perseverance and hard work.
Karun Nair was in scintillating form during the Vijay Hazare Trophy, finishing as the tournament's leading run-scorer and Player of the Tournament. He amassed a staggering 779 runs at an incredible average of 389.50, which included five centuries and one half-century. His remarkable consistency and prolific run-scoring naturally led to discussions about his potential inclusion in India’s squad for the Champions Trophy. However, despite his stellar performances, the Jodhpur-born batter was not selected for the prestigious tournament.
Interestingly, Nair's focus was not solely on a spot in the limited-overs squad. While others speculated about his inclusion in the Champions Trophy, Nair had his sights set on a different goal — a return to Test cricket. The 32-year-old had already made a mark with his historic triple century in Test cricket, and his recent form in domestic cricket fueled his aspirations of making a comeback to the longest format of the game. Nair’s determination to revive his Test career reflects his belief in his abilities, and while he missed out on the Champions Trophy, his story of resilience and ambition continues to inspire.
“If I'm being honest, before the tournament, I wasn't thinking about that. At least for me, it felt quite far away. But like I said, you have dreams, you have thoughts, you want to achieve things. But you're not thinking, 'I'm going to make it.' You think, 'I want to make it.' But whether it will actually happen is always a question mark in your head," said Karun Nair during a recent interview.
“I still have the dream of playing Test cricket for India. I've said it in many interviews. So quite honestly, that was the only thing on my mind. I wasn't even thinking that I'd be mentioned or considered for the Champions Trophy squad, so I feel really grateful for that," he added.
Karun Nair is currently representing Vidarbha in the ongoing Ranji Trophy, where he has been showcasing his steady form. Playing under the leadership of Akshay Wadkar, Vidarbha has emerged as a dominant force in the Group C standings, sitting atop the points table. Nair’s contribution has been crucial to the team’s success, as he has played six matches so far and accumulated 335 runs at a respectable average of 37.22. His ability to anchor the innings and play pivotal knocks has been evident, with Nair notching up one century and one half-century in the tournament.
The Jodhpur-born batter's consistency in the red-ball format has been a welcome sign for his career, as he looks to solidify his place in the longer format of the game. Despite the setbacks in limited-overs cricket, Nair’s resolve to make a comeback in Test cricket remains strong. His experience and ability to perform under pressure are key assets for Vidarbha, and his performance in the Ranji Trophy could serve as a stepping stone toward a national call-up. While his journey has been challenging, Nair’s ongoing efforts in the domestic circuit reflect his unwavering commitment to returning to the international stage, particularly in the Test format.