Karun Nair reacts after being named in India’s Test squad for the England tour

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The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced a formidable Test squad for the upcoming five-match series against England, set to begin this December. With a blend of experience and emerging talent, the squad aims to tackle the swinging English conditions with resilience. Shubman Gill has been named the new captain of Indian team while Rishabh Pant was picked as his deputy. One of the most notable additions is the comeback of Karun Nair, who has been in prolific form in the domestic circuit.

Nair, who last played a Test for India in 2017, has made a resounding return to the national setup. His name in the squad doesn’t come as a surprise to those closely following domestic cricket. The right-hander has been instrumental for Vidarbha, whom he joined in 2022 after leaving Karnataka.

In the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024–25, Nair amassed 779 runs at an average of 389.50—an extraordinary achievement that included multiple match-winning knocks. Although Vidarbha lost the final to Karnataka, Nair’s leadership and batting prowess stood out.

He carried his rich form into the Ranji Trophy, scoring 863 runs in nine matches and guiding Vidarbha to their third Ranji title, a sweet redemption after narrowly missing out the previous season.

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Following the announcement, Nair shared his emotions and thoughts on his long-awaited return to the Indian Test team. Nair expressed his joy and gratitude upon being recalled to the Indian Test squad, saying he felt happy, proud, and fortunate to make a comeback. He revealed that he found out about his selection like everyone else and had been eagerly waiting for the call, receiving many congratulatory messages from his close ones. Reflecting on his recent form, Nair said he has been batting well over the past 12 to 16 months and emphasized the importance of sticking to the processes and routines that have brought him success.

“Grateful to get back, happy and proud and fortunate. Found out (about inclusion in the squad) like all of you found out. Was eagerly awaiting the call, got a lot of messages from close ones. Have been batting well in the last 12–16 months. It’s about keeping my processes the same and do the same things that have worked for me,” said Nair as quoted by Lokmat Times Nagpur.

There is no denial that the expectations from him will be sky-high as India tours England, a country where conditions often test a batter’s technique and temperament. His ability to anchor innings and accelerate when needed could offer India much-needed stability in the middle order, especially in challenging conditions. Fans and selectors alike will hope Nair brings the same energy and form to the Test arena that he’s consistently shown over the past 16 months.

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