Karun Nair's international cricket fate sealed

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is considering giving Karun Nair another chance in the Test squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against the West Indies. Notably, the squad announcement has been delayed as selectors are toying with the idea of retaining Karun Nair for the series at home.

The announcement of the Test squad, initially planned for Wednesday during the India-Bangladesh Asia Cup match, has been postponed. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar will now reveal the squad on Thursday at 12:30 PM. Some intriguing developments have emerged from the selection discussions behind closed doors.

Karun Nair Recalled to Team India After Eight Years' Absence

Karun Nair was recalled to the national cricket team for the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025 after nearly eight years of absence from international cricket. He was brought in to fill the gap left by stalwarts like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane, and Cheteshwar Pujara in the India team.

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Nair failed to make an impression in the comeback series. He scored just 205 runs across eight innings in four Tests at an average of 25.62, with his highest score being 57 in the Oval Test. Notably, a total of 7,000 runs, including 21 centuries and 29 half-centuries, were scored during the series.

The 33-year-old was handed a golden opportunity to revive his career, but the England tour proved to be a disappointment. His form now casts doubt on his chances of featuring in the upcoming West Indies series.

BCCI to Give Karun Nair Another Chance in Home Series

According to The Telegraph India, a senior member of India’s selection committee is backing giving Nair another opportunity, given his strong record against spin bowling.

The two-match series against the West Indies will be played in Ahmedabad and New Delhi. Notably, both venues are known for offering significant assistance to spinners.

"It is understood that an influential member of the think tank is in favour of giving
Nair another chance since his record against spinners is very good in domestic cricket. It remains to be seen if Nair is able to keep his place in the circumstances," the report read.

Karun Nair’s Place in Middle-Order Remains Uncertain

Karun Nair’s place in India’s middle order remains uncertain for the upcoming series. Devdutt Padikkal scored 150 for India A in the first unofficial Test match against Australia A. Sai Sudharsan has also made a strong case with an impressive 75-run innings for India A in the second game.

Nair scored an unbeaten 151 runs for KSCA Secretary XI against Goa, almost single-handedly chasing 265. He demonstrated his continued ability to perform in spin-friendly conditions.

Selectors, led by Ajit Agarkar, now face a dilemma of sticking with the 33-year-old or giving a younger player a longer-term role. Shubman Gill will bat at four and Dhruv Jurel at five due to Rishabh Pant’s injury. The No. 6 position could go to either Nair or Padikkal.

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