Karun Nair returned to international cricket after an eight-year sabbatical during the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, which India and England competed in the United Kingdom. He played four of the five Tests and scored only 205 runs at an average of 25.62. The right-handed batter had opportunities at numerous positions in the batting order but failed to make an impact. However, he did get a half-century in the first innings of the fifth Test at the Kennington Oval, which the tourists won by six runs to tie the series 2-2.
Ajit Agarkar, the chief selector for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), has announced India’s roster for the forthcoming two-match home Test series against the West Indies. Nair, who recently returned to Karnataka after two seasons with Vidarbha, was one of the noticeable absentees. Speaking about Nair’s removal, Agarkar stated that the selectors and team management expected more from him during the England tour.
“Frankly, we expected a little more from Karun. He played four Tests, and you spoke about one innings. That’s the way it is. We feel Padikkal offers a little more at this point. Wish we could give everyone 15-20 Tests,” Agarkar said in the press conference.
Karun Nair, however, admitted that he was surprised not to find his name in the squad.
He highlighted that in the first innings of the Oval Test, he top-scored for India and contributed to the team’s win.
“Yes, I did expect the selection. I don’t know what to say. No words. I don’t have many comments to make. It’s very difficult for me to answer,” he told the Times of India.
“You should probably ask the selectors what they are thinking. The only thing is, in the last Test match, I scored a fifty when no one else managed in the first innings. So, yeah, I thought I contributed to the team, especially in the last game that we won. But, yeah, it is what it is. Those things don’t matter,” he added.
The first Test between India and the West Indies is set to be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad from October 2. Meanwhile, the second Test is scheduled to be held at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi between October 10 to October 14.
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