New Delhi: Karun Nair is set for a remarkable return to the Indian Test team after more than eight years, emerging as a strong contender to fill the No. 4 spot in the batting order following Virat Kohli’s absence. The 32-year-old, who famously scored an unbeaten triple century against England in 2016, last featured in a Test for India in March 2017 against Australia.
Nair’s comeback has been powered by a stellar domestic season with Vidarbha in 2024–25. He further strengthened his case for a place in the playing XI by scoring a commanding 204 for India A against England Lions in an unofficial Test match from May 30 to June 2.
Ahead of the first Test of the upcoming series against England starting June 20 in Leeds, Nair shared his emotions in a video released by the BCCI. “I feel really special, very grateful, and very fortunate to be able to get this opportunity again. I’m really looking forward and excited to grab this opportunity with both hands,” he said.
Reflecting on the long gap since his last appearance for India, Nair admitted it’s hard to put his emotions into words. “I’m not sure actually; I think I’ll have to experience that feeling myself. I’m sure there’ll be a lot of emotions, ones that I can’t express right now, and it’ll be a special feeling,” he said.
Karun Nair has represented India in six Test matches and two ODIs, accumulating 374 runs in Tests and 46 runs in ODIs. He made his international debut in an ODI against Zimbabwe on June 11, 2016, in Harare, and played his first Test match against England in Mohali later that year. Though his Test debut yielded just 4 runs, he etched his name in the history books with a stunning unbeaten 303 in the Chennai Test in December 2016.
Now, with another opportunity knocking, Nair is keen to make it count. His return not only adds depth to India’s middle-order but also brings back a player who knows how to make the most of his chances.
