Karun Nair’s scintillating form with the bat in the 2024-25 domestic season for Vidarbha has finally borne fruit. On Friday, May 16, his consistent performances were rewarded with a place in the India A squad set to tour England. The team is scheduled to play three four-day matches, including two key encounters against the England Lions — the first at Canterbury from May 30 to June 2, and the second in Northampton from June 6 to 9.
The news of Nair’s selection stirred a buzz in the cricketing fraternity, especially as the 33-year-old seeks to reignite his international career. He was last seen in Indian whites during the March 2017 Test match against Australia at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala. A player of immense potential, Nair etched his name in the record books with a memorable triple century against England in a Test match, but his journey with the national side saw an abrupt pause after just six Tests and two ODIs during the 2016-17 season.
Reacting to Nair’s selection, former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan took to social media platform X to express his support. He posted, “Karun Nair getting selected for India A is clear indication that ‘Dear cricket will him give him another chance to play for team India again.’” The tweet has since gone viral, resonating with fans who have long awaited Nair’s return to the big stage.
With an opportunity to impress in English conditions, Nair now stands on the brink of a potential comeback to the senior Indian team. The upcoming matches offer a pivotal platform to stake his claim after an eight-year hiatus, as he aims to translate domestic dominance into international redemption.
