Karun Nair Makes Big Comeback After India Test Snub
Karun Nair returns to Karnataka Ranji squad after Test rejection, aiming to make a strong impact in domestic cricket.
Karun Nair is back in domestic cricket, named in Karnataka’s Ranji Trophy squad for their opening match against Saurashtra on October 15 in Rajkot.
The 31-year-old middle-order batter returns after a two-season gap, determined to make an impact despite being dropped from India’s Test side.
Nair, best known for his unbeaten 303 against England in 2016, had last played for Vidarbha, helping them lift the Ranji Trophy.
His recent domestic form earned him a Test comeback after eight years, but he managed just one half-century in four matches in England.
India’s chief selector Ajit Agarkar recently stated, “We expected more from Karun Nair in England. It cannot be about just one innings… Devdutt Padikkal offers more options to us,” effectively ending Nair’s Test hopes for now.
Rejoining Karnataka, Nair aims to make his mark in the domestic season. Mayank Agarwal will lead the side, which includes new faces like Kruthika Krishna, Shikhar Shetty, and Mohsin Khan. Their first challenge comes against defending champions Saurashtra.
Meanwhile, Karnataka’s Under-19 squad for the Vinoo Mankad Trophy will be led by Anvay Dravid, son of India coach Rahul Dravid. The young wicketkeeper-batter was Karnataka’s top scorer in the previous edition and will guide promising talents like Nitish Arya, S Manikanth, and Rehan Mohammed.
