Karun Nair has become the talk of the cricketing world, thanks to his stunning form in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy. The 33-year-old Indian cricketer has made a spectacular comeback, averaging a remarkable 752 in the tournament, with five centuries to his name. As discussions heat up about the upcoming Champions Trophy squad, Nair’s name has surged to the forefront of the selection debate.
A Remarkable Season for Karun Nair
Nair, once out of the selection conversation, has turned his fortunes around with a string of outstanding performances in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. His form this season has been nothing short of sensational, with Nair racking up runs and leading Vidarbha to the tournament finals. His impressive tally includes scores of 112*, 44*, 163*, 111*, 112, 122*, and an explosive 88 off just 44 balls in the semi-final against Maharashtra.
In a format that values consistency and match-winning performances, Nair’s stats speak volumes about his readiness for a return to the national team. His superb batting display has raised expectations and sparked discussions about his potential inclusion in India’s Champions Trophy squad.
WV Raman Weighs In: If Picked, Nair Must Play
Former India women’s cricket team head coach WV Raman has voiced his opinion on the matter, emphasizing that Nair should be included in India’s squad for the Champions Trophy, but with the condition that he plays in the starting XI. Raman, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), stated, “#KarunNair is not in his teens to be in the reserves and watched by the team management. If he is picked, he plays given the form he is in, or if there is no slot for him, he should not be picked.”
Raman’s comment comes as a response to the common practice of keeping in-form players on the bench. He argues that at 33 years old, Nair’s time to sit out is limited, and if selected, he should be given the opportunity to contribute on the field.
Karun Nair’s Journey to a Potential Comeback
Nair, whose memorable triple century against England in 2016 remains a highlight of his career, has been vocal about his desire to make a comeback to the Indian cricket team. Speaking to Hindustan Times, he expressed his hope of representing India again, saying, “Everyone hopes to be part of the Indian cricket team because it’s such an amazing setup. Everyone wants to play for their country. And so do I. I have always believed and dreamed of playing for my country again.”
He further added, “I will keep doing whatever I can in every match to push for that case. But again, see, only scoring runs is in my hand, and everything else is not in my hand. So all I am looking forward to do is keep scoring in every game that I play.”
Karun Nair’s Record-Breaking Achievements
In addition to his exceptional batting form, Nair has been rewriting records in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. He has set a new benchmark for the most runs in List-A cricket without being dismissed, further cementing his reputation as one of the most consistent and reliable players in domestic cricket.
The Road Ahead: A Potential Return to the National Team
With his performances now firmly in the spotlight, Karun Nair’s chances of being included in India’s Champions Trophy squad are stronger than ever. If his current form continues, he could very well secure a spot, but as Raman suggests, it’s crucial that he’s not just selected but also given a fair chance to play.
As the cricketing world watches, Nair remains focused on one goal: to keep performing and put himself in a position to represent his country again. Whether or not he makes it into the final squad will depend on the selectors, but his recent performances certainly warrant serious consideration.
