Karun Nair may be returning to the India A team for the tour to England since he was last part of the Indian set-up in 2018. Coming back to the fold would represent a remarkable step for him considering he has not played international cricket since 2018.

The 33-year old sprinter is remembered for the phenomenal 303 not out he scored against England during a Test in Channai in 2016. During the 2023-24 season Nair scored more than 600 runs achieving multiple 100’s that highlighted his form while competing in the Ranji Trophy and cemented his claim for a return into the Indian setup.

While hoping to secure a spot in the Indian National Team the England tour will also test his technique and discipline. In addition, considering the current state of the Indian team his performance could help him earn a spot in the senior team and would be very favorable for him.

🚨 KARUN NAIR FOR ENGLAND TOUR 🚨

- Karun Nair likely to be included in the India A team for the England tour. [PTI] pic.twitter.com/9ryPIwnj1f

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) March 27, 2025

Also Read: RCB playing 11 vs CSK IPL 2025 match 8

There is hope from fans that this tour will help Nair resurrect his career which has seen him go through troubled waters of competition, consistency and emerging victorious with a triple century. Nair makes for a compelling story especially with a strong performance in England coupled with Indias packed Test calendar along with many young players looking to solidify their claim. 

A tour of Nair is an awesome avenue for him to exhibit his worth to add a supplementary chapter to his inspiring cricketing. The devoted crowd will not leave any stone unturned, as they will be eyeing not only his performance but also will be eager to know if he is creating an argument in favor of him being back to the national squad.

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

Also Read: Mitchell Santner: The Part-Time Cricketer Who Led New Zealand to the Champions Trophy Final

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.

The final of the Ranji Trophy is being played out and the title will be determined on March 2, 2025. The 90th Ranji Trophy is nearing its conclusion and the game between Kerala and Vidarbha has been nothing less than an enthralling contest at the VCA Stadium in Jamtha, Nagpur. The elite tournament of Ranji Trophy was inaugurated for the first time during the 1934-35 season and is considered India's top first-class tournament. Originally, it had been titled Cricket Championship of India and later called Ranji Trophy in the succeeding year.

VIDARBHA HAS WON 3 RANJI TROPHY TITLES IN JUST 7 YEARS 🤯

- New force of Indian Domestic Cricket. pic.twitter.com/grTjVqWxLd

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) March 2, 2025

ALSO SEE: Karun Nair's Ranji Trophy Heroics: 86 & 135 – A Strong Case for India Test Recall!

Vidarbha's Rise to Domestic Cricket
Vidarbha's journey to Ranji Trophy glory began in 2017-18 when they reached their first final. Faiz Fazal led them to their first title by defeating Delhi. They retained their title the following year by defeating Saurashtra, joining an elite group of teams that have won consecutive titles.
Nair, during his game against Kerala, was observed showing great calmness while batting, scoring his hundred off 184 balls. His whack, marked with seven fours and two sixes, contributed to Vidarbha reaching 249/4 at stumps, taking their overall lead to 286 runs after Kerala's first innings of 342.

Karun Nair, the gifted Indian batsman, is back in the news again for his unbelievable consistency in domestic cricket. Having become only the second Indian to score a Test triple century, Nair's international career took an unexpected turn, but his recent performances indicate that he is now set for a national comeback. With multiple centuries and match-winning knocks, Nair is proving that he still has a lot to offer Indian cricket.

A Match-Winning Performance

Karun Nair stepped up when the chips were down. 

He hit 86 in the first innings and then an excellent 135 in the second.

His timely knocks enabled Vidarbha to gain the upper hand over Kerala in the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 final.

Karun Nair's Recent Domestic Cricket Performance

Nair's last 17 innings in domestic cricket have been nothing but breathtaking:                                                                                            122(108), 44(52), 163*(107), 111*(103), 112(101), 122*(82), 88*(44), 27(31), 39(80), 4(7), 3(13), 105(193), 122(243), 45(70), 6(17), 86(188), 135(295)**

• 860 runs in Ranji Trophy 2024-25 with a dazzling average of 57.33.
• 779 runs in Vijay Hazare Trophy with an astounding average of 389.50 with five centuries.

Such a consistency across formats makes him a prime candidate for an India comeback.

The 'Nine' Celebration – A Message to Selectors?

After crossing his century, Nair gestured a 'nine' with his hands. Several people felt this was a message to BCCI selectors, as he has been overlooked for international selection since 2017. However, Nair soon explained that it was a premeditated gesture for the Vidarbha support staff, as he was celebrating his ninth century of the season.

Should Karun Nair be recalled to an India Test?

Even after scoring a record triple century (303*) in 2016, Nair has been ignored for the Indian team since 2017. But with India's middle-order struggling in the current England series, his present form makes him a prime choice for selection.

Karun Nair's run-scoring exploits in the Ranji Trophy final and in the domestic season have once again raised questions regarding his inclusion in the Indian Test team. Given his experience, reliability, and desire for runs, he could very well prove to be India's solution for the middle order.

Karun Nair has been brilliant this season and has carried that form into the Ranji Trophy final. In the first innings, he was unlucky to be run out on 86 after a mix-up with Rohan Kunnummal. But he made it in the second innings, helping Vidarbha to build a strong lead of over 250 runs. At this time, he is still unbeaten on 100 off 193 balls, with seven fours and two sixes.  

This was his ninth century of the 2025 season five came in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and four in the Ranji Trophy. In this Ranji season, he has scored 828 runs at an average of 55.2.

💯 for Karun Nair 👏

A splendid knock on the big stage under pressure 💪

It's his 9⃣th 1⃣0⃣0⃣ in all formats combined this season, and the celebration says it all👌🙌#RanjiTrophy | @IDFCFIRSTBank | #Final

Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/up5GVaflpp pic.twitter.com/9MvZSHKKMY

— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) March 1, 2025

ALSO READ: Tilak Varma vs. Mayank Yadav : A Thrilling Pace Battle in DY Patil T20 Cup

Karun Nair reached his century with a single kept his celebration simple. He held up nine fingers toward the dressing room, showing his nine centuries this season. With India’s tour of England coming up later this year, this knock is a strong message to the selectors to bring back to the Indian team. By teatime on Day 4, he had put Vidarbha in a commanding position, helping them to take their lead over Kerala to 226 runs with seven wickets.

The ICC Champions Trophy is set to make its much-anticipated return after an eight-year hiatus, commencing on February 19, 2025, with matches hosted in Pakistan and the UAE (for India's fixtures). India, known for its remarkable consistency and dominance on the global stage, enters the tournament as one of the strongest contenders, ready to stake its claim in this ultimate test of cricketing excellence. But the recently released Indian squad for the forthcoming tournament has sparked a lot of talk and discussion amongst the game's followers.

Though it had its own set of positives, some aspects could hinder their chances to scalp their second title of the tournament. Keeping in mind the team's recent performances post their triumphant 2024 T20 World Cup has been alarming for their future performances. Here, we look at the three factors that could not lead India to a victorious 2025 Champions Trophy run.

India 15-man squad for Champions Trophy 2025: Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill (Vice-Captain), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana (Reserve)

ICC Champions Trophy 2025: 3 Unlucky Indian Players Who Missed Out

India’s 15 member squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 was announced on January 18, and while the team boosts a strong lineup, a few big names missed out on selection. These players have been in remarkable form recently and can consider themselves unlucky. Here’s a look at three such players:

1. Mohammed Siraj

Mohammed Siraj’s A large number of fans didn't think Mohammed Siraj would be left out, but he was. Mister Siraj has been very good at dismissing players in cricket since 2023. Siraj got 47 players out, and only one person, Kuldeep Yadav, got more than him.He got 53 people out. But the selectors who decide who plays picked Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Arshdeep Singh to be the main fast bowlers for the important games instead of Siraj.

To swing the ball both ways and deliver in high pressure situations has been a key factor in India’s success across formats. His performances in the last two years made a strong case for inclusion, but the competition for places in the squad proved too stiff. While Siraj’s absence is a blow to his fans, it underscores the depth of India’s pace bowling resources.

ALSO READ: Watch: Coldplay's Chris Martin Gives a Shoutout to Jasprit Bumrah at Mumbai Concert

2. Karun Nair

Everyone thought Karun Nair would play in the Champions Trophy because he did very well in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Before the major last event, he got an average of 752 runs, which is really good. In only seven times at bat, he made five major100's and one 50. The people choosing the players saw his doing very well and couldn't ignore him.

However, as chief selector Ajit Agarkar explained, finding a spot in a star studded Indian batting lineup is no easy task. “You look at the guys who have been picked, all average well in excess of mid 40s. Unfortunately, you can't fit everyone in a squad of 15,” Agarkar said. While Nair’s exclusion is unfortunate, it highlights the immense competition for spots in the Indian team.

3. Sanju Samson

Fans are surprised that Sanju Samson is not playing, because he's really proficient at changing his approach for different times in a match. Sanju is famous for being able to play carefully, like at the No. 3 spot, or be the best hitter at the No. 6 spot. In a game in 2023 against South Africa, he obtained 100 runs all by himself. Also he's made 510 runs in 16 of those one-day games, and that includes getting more than 50 runs three times and that one time he got 100 runs.

In T20Is, Samson’s record is equally commendable, with 810 runs in 37 matches, featuring three centuries and a fifty. Notably, two of these centuries came in a T20I series against South Africa, underlining his ability to perform in challenging conditions. Despite his stellar credentials, the selectors chose to go with other options, leaving many fans and experts questioning the decision.

Mohammed Siraj, Karun Nair, and Sanju Samson didn't get to be on the Champions Trophy team because there are so many other talented players in India. This shows that cricket in India is clearly utterly tough and difficult and full of great players. Even though it's sad they aren't playing now, they are strong and probably will come back even better. Today, we are all looking at the players who did get to go as the team gets ready for the important ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

The ICC Champions Trophy is all set to make a comeback after a long gap of eight years, which is scheduled to happen from 19 February 2025 in Pakistan and UAE (only for India matches). As the name suggests, this tournament acts as one of those platforms where it gives an ode to the right prolific teams who are at their best form amidst the competitive and dynamic cricketing landscape. 

Unsurprisingly, all the participating eight teams would be eager to triumph and don the white blazer, a customary ritual after winning the trophy. India has always been the face of consistency and a cricket powerhouse, making it one of the strong contenders for the title. The last time the Men in Blue won the coveted Champions Trophy was way back in 2013, under the captaincy of MS Dhoni. With the Indian squad being released for the clashups, here we ponder the lineup's two major strengths and weaknesses. 

India 15-man squad for Champions Trophy 2025: Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill (Vice-Captain), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana (Reserve)

2 Strengths:

Well-curated and reliable spinners department

Considering that India will be clashing in the daunting and flat conditions of the Middle East in UAE, it is not a surprise that it would primarily be constituting spin-friendly tracks. Pertaining to such aspects, India has made a side with a commendable spinmeister arsenal.

With the likes of Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, and Ravindra Jadeja, the left-hand-dominated attack has been reliable with their spin and mysterious deliveries that could hinder the momentum of the opposition batters. Overall, the first and most significant strength to take away from the Indian side would definitely be their spinners. 

Robust mid-order core

Though there have been some slight ups and downs in India's top-order batting, it has always been the middle-order of the team that has created an enormous impact in obtaining pivotal runs. KL Rahul and, along with Shreyas Iyer, who will be coming back donning the blue jersey after a considerable amount of time, will be faces of the batting attack if the initial few starting batters falter.

Rishabh Pant could play the role of initiating the power-hitting mode of their batting innings. In addition, Hardik Pandya, Washington Sundar, and Ravindra Jadeja's all-rounding abilities with the bat could help them get runs in the end stages of the game. 

2 Weaknesses:

Bewildering exclusions

India has always been a prominent side for having the right balance across all departments for such big and fierce tournaments, and in some cases, they have successfully obtained the desired results. But this time, the released squad for the 2025 Champions Trophy has sparked much debate among critics and fanatics regarding players who have been shockingly excluded or not even considered by the selectors' committee.

Especially in the case of Karun Nair, who has had a fantabulous Vijay Hazare Trophy stint as the captain of Vidarbha, averaging at over 750 with his willow, has got many fans disappointed in his exclusion. The squad has also neglected consistent fast bowler Mohammed Siraj, and many are surprised by this big step. Even the case of Sanju Samson is no different from the rest, and his name not being on the squad got many agitated, as he has been phenomenal in the white-ball international games with his swashbuckling approach and reliable hands behind the gloves. 

The injury woes and dilemmas

Injury for any sportsperson has always hindered a team-based sports' lineup, which could massively impact their route towards performing well in any competitive tournament. In this case, many star players of the 15-man squad are under the medical radar for detecting any probable major injuries. KL Rahul and Virat Kohli have backed out of playing the Ranji Trophy, citing niggles and discomfort. In the spinners department, Kuldeep Yadav has had a long-term groin injury, where his coming back to inform abilities would be a bit time-consuming.

Jasprit Bumrah has been having a probable lousy time with the back after carrying off commendable and valiant efforts in the 2024-25 BGT. As a precautionary measure, Harshit Rana is called a reserve player if Bumrah encounters a major injury, prompting him to stay away from the ball for the ICC tournament. So, from the names mentioned above, all the players are impactful in their aspects, and their speculated injury stories could be a potential weakness for the team's upcoming intense 2025 ICC Champions Trophy campaign. 

See Also: Jasprit Bumrah doubtful for the England ODI series

Karnataka vs Vidarbha: Key Details for the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25 Final

The Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25 has reached its finishing stage after an exciting series of matches. The much anticipated final will see Karnataka face Vidarbha in a battle for the title. Here's everything you need to know about the big match, including the schedule, venue, and live streaming details.

In their semi-final clash, Vidarbha delivered a dominant performance against Maharashtra. Karun Nair was the star of the match, smashing an incredible 88 runs off just 44 balls, featuring 9 fours and 5 sixes. His explosive innings helped Vidarbha post a massive total of 380 runs. Maharashtra, in response, managed only 311 runs, falling short of the target. Nair's outstanding form in the tournament has been a game-changer for Vidarbha, with 752 runs to his name so far, making him one of the key reasons for the team’s success.

Karnataka, on the other hand, secured their spot in the final with an impressive victory over Haryana. This marks Karnataka’s fifth appearance in a Vijay Hazare Trophy final, showcasing their consistent performance throughout the tournament.  

ALSO READ: Dinesh Karthik reasons why in-form Karun Nair can't be added to Indian ODI team

VHT Final Match Details:

When and Where to Watch KAR vs VID:

Reliance Stadium Pitch Report:

Official Umpires for Match:

KAR vs VID Squads:

Former Indian cricketer Dinesh Karthik has come up with his feelings about in-form Karun Nair’s chance for the Indian national cricket team in the upcoming ODIs, including the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The 33-year-old Indian cricketer Karun Nair is in dream form with the bat in the domestic One-Day tournament, the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25. With the help of five centuries and one half-century, including four successive centuries, Nair is leading the most runs chart of the tournament with 752 in seven innings with an average of 752.00 and a strike rate of 125.96. His batting has helped Vidarbha reach the Final of the competition. 

In 2016, Nair made his ODI debut during the Zimbabwe tour and played only two ODIs, scoring seven and 39 runs. He also made his Test debut in the same year at Mohali, when England toured India. In his third Test innings, which was also his third Test, Nair recorded a triple century at Chennai as he scored 303 not out against England. After Virender Sehwag’s two triple centuries, Nair became the second Indian batter to record a triple hundred in Test cricket. However, he couldn’t reach 30 runs in the other six Test innings as the right-handed batter played his last Test against Australia at Dharamsala in March 2017. Soon, he was out of the limelight but returned this year with his unstoppable batting form in the 50-over format. 

Dinesh Karthik praised Nair for his outstanding form with the bat. Karthik also hailed another forgotten Indian Test opener Mayank Agarwal, who is the second-leading run-scorer in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25 with 619 runs in nine innings (average 103.16), hitting four centuries and one half-century. Just like Vidarbha skipper Nair, the 33-year-old Karnataka captain Agarwal has also led his team to the tournament Final.

See Also: BCCI's New Discipline Code: Key Guidelines for Indian Cricketers

It’s coming at a stage when the Indian ODI setup is almost ready to go: Dinesh Karthik

However, Karthik feels that it is too late for Nair and Agarwal, while the Indian team is set for their restart in the ODI format. 

Karthik told Cricbuzz, “Karun Nair, it’s been unreal to see the form that you’ve been in. Even Mayank Agarwal has been in some really good form. But the beauty is, it’s coming at a stage when the Indian ODI setup is almost ready to go. There can’t be too many changes.”.

“Yes, it’s very tempting to bring a Karun Nair into the setup, and I think he has earned the right to be part of the talks.”

I don’t think he’ll make it to the Champions Trophy squad: Dinesh Karthik about Karun Nair

Although Karthik doesn’t feel Nair’s presence in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, starting on February 19, he still hopes for the best result. 

The former Indian wicketkeeper-batter added, “But I don’t think he’ll make it to the Champions Trophy squad. But if he keeps going like this, why not? A form batter like that who plays fast and spin well, he’s a gun player, and I’m very happy for him.”

Age can play a major factor for Nair as the Indian team will grow to focus on the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027, while he will be close to 36 years old.