Image: Karun Nair was not selected for the ICC Champions Trophy squad / © Thesportstak
For the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25, Karun Nair delivered an extraordinary batting performance, amassing 779 runs in just eight innings at an astonishing average of 389.50. The Vidarbha skipper’s consistency saw him register five centuries and a half-century, guiding his team to the tournament final, where they eventually lost to Karnataka, led by Mayank Agarwal. Despite his prolific form, Nair was overlooked for India’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025 squad, though chief selector Ajit Agarkar acknowledged that his name was considered.
Nair admitted he wasn’t expecting a call-up but remains focused on his ultimate goal—playing Test cricket for India. He expressed gratitude that his performances sparked discussions about his selection. Speaking to Sports Today, he emphasized that while making the squad wasn’t on his mind, he still harbors the ambition of donning the whites for India again.
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.
The 32-year-old also cherished receiving praise from cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar, calling it one of his greatest moments. However, he remains committed to continuous improvement, stating that every match and inning matters in his pursuit of making a national comeback.