Karun Nair is all set to return to India’s Take a look at Taking part in XI for IND vs ENG 1st Take a look at in Leeds. Whereas his batting place is but to be determined, head coach Gautam Gambhir hinted at his comeback.
After returning to the India Test squad following an 8-year absence, Karun Nair might get an extended run. Nair hit a double century for India A against England Lions in the first match to warm up for the IND vs ENG Test series. India head coach Gautam Gambhir confirmed that he would not judge a player by one or two Tests. He extended his support for Nair, who has been in fine form.
“We will not judge someone by one or two Tests. You guys can. We won’t. I think if someone has scored heaps of runs, he will be given a good run at this level as well, so that he can showcase his talent here as well,” Gautam Gambhir said at India’s pre-departure press conference.
‘Hopefully, he can deliver’
Gautam Gambhir is banking on that performance as India eye first series win in England since 2007. With Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma both retired from Tests, Nair’s experience will be crucial for India’s success in England.
“It’s good to have the experience of Karun, who has played a bit of County cricket. He has scored runs there and hit a double hundred for India A. It’s always good to have players who are in good form on these kinds of tours. His experience will definitely come in handy, and hopefully he can deliver,” Gambhir said.
| Tournament | Inns | Runs | Avg | Best | 50 | 100 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| County Championships (FC) | 11 | 487 | 48.7 | 202 | 3 | 1 |
| Maharaja Trophy T20 | 12 | 560 | 56 | 124 | 5 | 1 |
| Mushatq Ali Trophy T20 | 5 | 255 | 42.5 | 77 | 3 | 0 |
| Vijay Hazare Trophy (50 ovs) | 8 | 779 | 389.5 | 163 | 1 | 5 |
| Ranji Trophy (FC) | 16 | 863 | 53.94 | 135 | 2 | 4 |
Karun Nair in 2024-25 season
Karun Nair has been in a fine run of form in domestic cricket. In fact, the 2024-25 season has been his best in his career. After an average Ranji Trophy in 2023-24, Nair travelled to the UK for the County Championship, playing 11 innings and scoring 487 runs. Since his return from England, he turned into a run machine.
In the Maharaja Trophy in 2024, Nair scored 560 runs in 12 innings, including five fifties and a century. Then, he turned to the Mushtaq Ali Trophy, scoring 255 runs in five innings. His Vijay Hazare Trophy show put him in the spotlight once again. Nair slammed 779 runs in 8 innings at a gigantic average of 389.5. He scored five centuries and a fifty in 8 innings. In Ranji Trophy, he continued his good run of form, leading Vidarbha to the final. Nair scored 863 runs in 16 innings at an average of 53.94.
Nair returned to IPL, slamming 89 off 40 balls for Delhi Capitals against Mumbai Indians. He dominated Jasprit Bumrah during his spell. While he failed to continue that run of form in IPL 2025, he excelled again in England, scoring a brisk double century in the four-day match against England Lions.
Gambhir believes Nair’s return to the Test side is great for India’s domestic cricket as it rewards the performers.
“It’s great for domestic cricket. It’s great for the future of domestic cricket. All the youngsters who are playing domestic will understand its importance: ‘if you keep doing well in domestic cricket, doors are never shut’,” Gambhir said.
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