After eight long years in the wilderness, Karun Nair finds himself back where he always felt he belonged — the Indian Test team. The upcoming five-match Test series against England marks not just a fresh opportunity, but a deeply emotional return for the batter who once etched his name in the record books with a sublime triple century in 2016. Now 33, Karun is determined to make this second chance count.
What adds a layer of comfort and familiarity to this high-pressure return is the presence of his childhood friends KL Rahul and Prasidh Krishna in the dressing room. “It feels like home, to be honest,” Karun Nair shared in a candid chat with the BCCI, posted on their official website. “Playing alongside Rahul and Prasidh is comforting. We’ve played together since we were kids, and that bond really helps when you’re trying to ease back into the team.”
Karun and Rahul go back to their age-group cricket days, a friendship rooted in Karnataka cricket and built on countless hours of growing, competing, and dreaming together.
ALSO READ: Ajinkya Rahane Backs Yashasvi Jaiswal For England Tests Despite Reported Rift
“Life has come full circle,” Karun Nair said. “I went out of the Indian team in England, and now I return to the same place. It’s been a long journey, and I embrace it all.” Dropped from the national side in 2017, Karun never allowed despair to settle in. “When I woke up the next day after being dropped, my first thought was—I want to play Test cricket again. That thought stayed with me every single day. It kept me hungry, kept me going,” he reflected.
His dream rekindled during a prolific 2024–25 domestic season, where he piled up 863 runs in nine matches at an average of 54, playing a pivotal role in Vidarbha’s Ranji Trophy triumph. That form propelled him back into the national conversation and eventually earned him a spot in the squad for the England tour.
“Mentally, I’m more patient now. I’ve learned to forgive myself, enjoy the small wins, and most importantly, stay true to who I am,” he said. “I’ve kept things simple — staying positive, setting goals, visualising success, and believing deeply in what I imagine.”
ALSO READ: Marnus Labuschagne Dropped for West Indies Series Opener as Australia Rings Changes
The realization of being back in the Indian squad hit him only when he reunited with the team. “When I saw everyone for the first time, that’s when it felt real. Until then, it was just a hope,” he smiled. “I used to watch them on TV, and now to be here again — it’s a blessing.”
Now, wearing the India jersey again, Karun isn’t just chasing runs — he’s chasing redemption, joy, and the chance to script one more memorable chapter in his career. “It feels amazing to be in this group again. I just want to enjoy the feeling, play freely, and help India win,” he signed off with quiet determination.
