I believe I can play Test cricket again because I have confidence in my skills: Karun Nair

Karun Nair, 32, has not given up on making a comeback in Test cricket, where he has amassed three centuries, despite having played his final international match for India in March 2017.

To remind everyone of his batting abilities, the Jodhpur native has recently grinded it out and scored substantially in the Ranji Trophy and the English county circuit. Early in 2023, Nair scored a century against eventual champion Surrey and accumulated 249 runs for Northamptonshire in three games at a remarkable average of 83. Later on in the year, he kept making huge runs; in seven matches, he amassed 487 runs at an average of 49, including a century against Glamorgan.

Karun Nair stated that he doesn’t look too far ahead and instead focusses on attempting to do well for his team in every game.

The right-hander also discussed how he improved his game understanding by batting in difficult English circumstances.

You need to be ready for a demanding schedule. It is all about the next match. And I’m not focussing too much on the future because sometimes it’s easy to become bogged down in the details of what can occur,” Nair was cited by India Today.

Playing in England was difficult because of the shifting ball. Finding ways to score runs and having confidence in myself have taught me a lot about myself as a batter,” he said.

After failing to receive regular playing time with the Karnataka team, Nair relocated to Vidarbha in the previous year. He scored two century and totalled 690 runs from 10 matches in the previous season, becoming a vital member of Vidarbha’s team that made it to the final.

I had been missing out on the chance to participate in the Ranji Trophy for a full year. I appreciate Vidarbha providing me with that opportunity. I’ve learnt to respect every game more, work harder in practice, and become smarter from the season I missed,” he thought.

In just his third Test match, Nair struck an incredible 303 against England. That monumental effort apart, though, he only participated in three more bouts in the game’s longest version. Even though it has been seven years since he last played for India, the stylish batsman is sure he can make a return.

“Playing Test cricket again is my goal right now. Everyone plays this game to represent their country. He said, “I think I can do it and I have faith in my abilities.”

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In the Maharaja Trophy 2024, Nair is presently leading Mysuru Warriors. Having led from the front, he has scored 490 runs from 10 games, placing him second among the tournament’s top scorers. The Warriors have advanced to the T20 competition’s semifinals already.