ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Karun Nair makes honest confession after Ajit Agarkar ignores him for CT

Vidarbha skipper Karun Nair talked about his performance in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25. He said that he wasn't even thinking of getting selected in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 squad but admitted that he still wants to play Test cricket for India National Cricket Team.

Karun Nair came up with the magical effort with the bat in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25. The Vidarbha skipper led from the front and guided his team to the final of the tournament, where they suffered a disappointing loss against Karnataka, who won the title under the leadership of Mayank Agarwal.

Karun Nair slammed 779 runs from eight innings at an average of 389.50 in the Vijay Hazare Trophy

Karun Nair came up with a staggering effort with the bat, and in what was one of the best Vijay Hazare Trophy campaigns, he slammed 779 runs from eight innings at an average of 389.50, registering five centuries and a fifty. His effort with the bat saw his name getting discussed for the Indian team for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

However, he wasn't selected for the Indian team for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. But chief selector Ajit Agarkar mentioned that they considered the name of Karun Nair, but with other performers, it was hard for them to pick the Vidarbha skipper for the tournament.

I still have the dream of playing Test cricket for India, I've said it in many interviews - Karun Nair

Nair, while talking about his performances, said that before the tournament, he didn't even think that he would be considered for the Indian team. He added that he was grateful that his name was talked about. Speaking to Sports Today, he explained:

"If I'm being honest, before the tournament, I wasn't thinking about that. At least for me, it felt quite far away. But like I said, you have dreams, you have thoughts, you want to achieve things. But you're not thinking, 'I'm going to make it.' You think, 'I want to make it.' But whether it will happen is always a question mark in your head,"

"I still have the dream of playing Test cricket for India. I've said it in many interviews. So quite honestly, that was the only thing on my mind. I wasn't even thinking that I'd be mentioned or considered for the Champions Trophy squad, so I feel really grateful for that."

It was one of the greatest feelings ever to receive appreciation from your childhood hero - Karun Nair on receiving praise from Sachin Tendulkar

Karun Nair, who also received praise from Sachin Tendulkar, said that it was greatest feelings for him to get appreciation from your childhood hero. He added that he needs to keep performing and wants to make sure that his focus remains intact. He elaborated:

"It was one of the greatest feelings ever to receive appreciation from your childhood hero. It was an amazing moment. I am really thankful to him for taking the time to put out that message. I feel truly blessed to have received those kind words from him. But again, I need to keep performing. Every game and every innings counts, so that remains my focus."

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