Virat Kohli, Ravi Shastri accused of throwing Karun Nair out ‘like a fly from milk’

Former Indian cricketer-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra has sparked a fresh debate about Karun Nair’s potential return to the Indian Test squad, especially with the high-profile England tour on the horizon after his ongoing run feast in domestic cricket.

The Vidarbha batter has been in extraordinary form this season, piling up runs across formats. His consistency in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and Ranji Trophy has turned heads, and another century in the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 final has yet again put him in the spotlight.

Aakash Chopra backs Karun Nair for England tour after domestic run-fest

Chopra backed Nair for the England tour after his remarkable performance in Vidarbha's second innings of the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2024-25 final against Kerala in Nagpur, where he scored 135 runs off 295 balls. Earlier, the seasoned batter came close to a century in the first innings but was unfortunate to be run out after a gritty 86 off 188 deliveries against Kerala.

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Now, Nair has an incredible nine centuries to his name this season so far, and that highlights his hunger, temperament, and hard work, making him one of the most prolific run-getters in domestic cricket. After his latest ton, Chopra pointed out how Nair was once part of an England tour but never got a proper opportunity, and later he was sidelined without any explanation.

However, with India set for another Test series in England later this year, the cricket pundit said that Nair has a strong chance to make a return to India’s Test squad for the next Test assignment.

It's a strong case now: Aakash Chopra

Aakash Chopra on Karun Nair's chances for the England tour: “He has scored nine centuries in this season, combining the Vijay Hazare Trophy and the Ranji Trophy. Now he has scored a century in the Ranji Trophy final as well, and Vidarbha is almost on the verge of victory. They have already got the first-innings lead. So, they are in a very good position.”

The commentator further added, “It's a strong case now. The England tour is coming. I remember he had gone on an England tour once, and he wasn't played. He was part of the team, but someone came from outside and played, and he was left sitting outside. I think Virat Kohli was the captain at that time, and Ravi Bhai (Shastri) was the coach. After that, he was left out like a fly is removed from milk, and nobody actually bothered afterwards.”

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The former Indian batter further said that Nair deserves to be picked for the England tour, but now if, despite such a brilliant performance, he is ignored, then it would be sheer injustice. Chopra pointed out that India struggled with the bat in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, and if changes are considered, Nair’s name deserves to be in the conversation.

I would say it's injustice if Karun Nair won't be considered: Aakash Chopra

The cricket pundit said that Karun may not be “a spring chicken,” but as a proven triple-centurion in Test cricket, he should get his earned chance; otherwise, there is no point in domestic cricket.

Chopra signed off by saying, “When someone scores nine centuries, you have to stand up and take notice. If you don't see his name around the Indian team now, I would say it's injustice. There is no point in domestic cricket if you don't even consider him. The focus will once again be on batting on the England tour.”