Karun Nair, the Indian cricketer, has had a rollercoaster career: from becoming only the second Indian to score a Test triple-century to battling for a place in the national team. On the one hand, his recent performance in domestic cricket could mean another national call from selectors.

The Tweet That Started It All On December 10, 2022, Karun Nair made an emotional post on the social media platform: "Dear cricket, give me one more chance."  Fast forward to the 2024-25 domestic season, and in some way, it seems cricket has given him one more chance. Having done exceptionally well in all formats, it gives some fresh hope for national selection consideration.

Dominating the Domestic Circuit   

In light of outstanding performances across all the formats, Nair makes an apt case for a comeback into the Indian side: His Ranji Trophy form reads ''863 runs in 16 innings at 53.94 with four tons and two fifties'', implying that he has had a successful red-ball career.

In the Vijay Hazare Trophy, he has done even better with ''779 runs in just eight innings at a crazy average of 389.59, including five centuries and one fifty.''

His form in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy was equally impressive, accumulating ''255 runs from six innings at 42.50, including three fifties''.

The myriad of accomplishments listed above thus proves that at this point in the tournament, the player has proved himself adaptable, proving that he still possesses the talent and hunger to compete at the highest level. 

A statement season for Karun Nair, will it open the doors for an India return? 🤔🇮🇳#KarunNair pic.twitter.com/FW5Dcr0yRQ

— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) March 6, 2025

The Selection Coundrum

The BCCI selection committee, under Ajit Agarkar, has, however, never found Nair worthy enough for India, despite his stupendous domestic performances. According to Agarkar, Nair's form is very impressive, but there are other competitors as well, and his name was not discussed for the Champions Trophy or the Sri Lanka series. This decision had mixed reactions, with former cricketer Harbhajan Singh calling it an "unfair" move. Some fans on social media believe Nair is being overlooked due to favoritism or a lack of PR appeal. Some say that age might be a factor, but given that players such as Pujara and Rahane are in the picture, the question arises as to what really went behind the decision.

A Case for India Comback?

with such splendid domestic showings behind him, stand a chance to get back to India? The Indian Test side has been on a lookout for instability in the middle order; experience might be on his side, and his recent form gives him an edge to be a good contender. Also, with white-ball cricket in India actually going through a transition, someone like Nair an established performer across all three formats of the game could be an exciting and suitable inclusion too.

Karun Nair's revival in domestic cricket speaks of his persistence and ability. Whether he actually gets a chance back in the Indian side will be seen with time, but relentless big scores might just leave no option with the selectors. 

Will we see him in the India jersey again? Time alone will tell.