KKN Gurugram Desk | In an emotional and candid revelation, Indian cricketer Karun Nair has disclosed that a senior Indian player once advised him to retire from international cricket and focus on T20 leagues for financial security. However, Nair chose to follow his passion and keep his dreams of a national comeback alive. And today, after seven long years, the middle-order batter is back in the Indian Test team, set to play in the upcoming five-match Test series against England, starting June 20, 2025.
Nair’s inspiring comeback story is not just about form and fitness—it is about resilience, belief, and an unwavering commitment to representing India at the highest level again.
Karun Nair Returns to Indian Test Team After 7 Years
Karun Nair, who last played a Test match for India in 2018, has finally earned a recall to the national squad for the England tour. His return marks one of the most remarkable comebacks in recent Indian cricket history, especially considering the long absence from the national setup and the personal challenges he has faced.
In an exclusive interview with the Daily Mail, Nair revealed that during his lowest phase—after being dropped not only from Team India but also from his domestic side Karnataka—a senior cricketer advised him to retire from international cricket and shift his focus to lucrative T20 leagues for financial security.
“A Senior Cricketer Told Me to Retire” – Karun Nair’s Candid Confession
“I still remember clearly—just two years ago—a senior Indian cricketer called me and told me I should retire. He said there’s good money in T20 leagues, and it would give me financial stability. It would have been the easy thing to do, but I knew I would regret it deeply if I walked away from my dream,” Nair said.
“Look where we are now. It’s madness, but I always knew inside me that I was good enough. I never wanted to give up on playing for India again,” he added.
From Historic Triple Century to Years in Wilderness
Karun Nair shot to fame in 2016 when he became only the second Indian cricketer to score a triple century in Test cricket, following Virender Sehwag. His unbeaten 303 against England at Chennai made him a national sensation.
However, despite the record-breaking feat, Nair was inexplicably sidelined from the playing XI in subsequent series. Over the years, his appearances became irregular, and after 2018, he vanished from the international scene.
Things took a turn for the worse after the 2022 domestic season when Nair was dropped from Karnataka’s Ranji Trophy team, leaving him without any competitive cricket for over 14 months.
County Cricket: The Turning Point in Karun Nair’s Career
Just when his career seemed to be slipping away, a lifeline came from England. Nair was offered a contract to play for Northamptonshire in the English County Championship. His performances there—marked by composure, technical mastery, and hunger for runs—revived his professional standing.
The consistent run in the English domestic circuit not only restored his confidence but also put him back on the selectors’ radar.
“Playing County cricket gave me rhythm and a fresh environment. I got to focus purely on my game. I didn’t have the baggage of expectations. That helped a lot,” said Nair.
A Comeback Fueled by Grit, Not Glamour
Nair’s journey back to the Indian squad wasn’t driven by flashy IPL performances or media hype. It was built on sheer dedication, hours of unnoticed hard work, and an unwavering desire to wear the Indian cap again.
He resisted the lure of T20 leagues and financial security, focusing instead on red-ball cricket, even when the path seemed uncertain.
Set to Play in India vs England Test Series 2025
Now, as India prepares for a tough Test series against England starting June 20, Karun Nair finds himself back in the national fold. With India looking to strengthen its middle order, Nair’s experience and technical acumen may be crucial in English conditions.
His return also adds depth to the squad, especially with injuries and form concerns around other key batters.
Support from Fans and Fellow Cricketers
Cricket fans across India have been celebrating Nair’s comeback, praising his patience and perseverance. Former cricketers like VVS Laxman and Wasim Jaffer have taken to social media to applaud his determination.
“Resilience at its best! Well done, Karun Nair. You’ve earned it,” tweeted Jaffer.
The Temptation of T20 Leagues: Why Nair Said No
It’s no secret that T20 leagues, both domestic and international, offer lucrative contracts that can be tempting for cricketers, especially those on the fringes of the national setup. For Karun Nair, the opportunity to play in T20 leagues was certainly available.
But for Nair, wearing the Indian jersey again was more valuable than any contract.
“I could’ve earned well, lived comfortably, and played across leagues. But nothing compares to representing India. That dream was too important to let go,” he said.
Karun Nair Career Snapshot (as of June 2025)
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Test Matches: 7
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Test Runs: 374
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Test Average: 62.33
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Highest Score: 303*
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ODIs: 2
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First-Class Matches: 84+
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County Cricket (2023–2024): Averaged over 52 in red-ball formats
Karun Nair’s return to the Indian Test team after a 7-year hiatus is more than just a sports headline—it is a story of belief, perseverance, and fighting the odds. In a world where quick fame and easy money dominate choices, Nair’s decision to stay true to his cricketing dream is both rare and admirable.
As he gears up for the Test series against England, cricket lovers will not only watch his performance but will also draw inspiration from his journey—a reminder that in sports, as in life, it’s never too late to make a comeback.
Stay tuned with dimgrey-bison-994082.hostingersite.com for live updates from the India vs England Test series 2025, player interviews, expert analysis, and behind-the-scenes stories from the cricketing world.
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