Karun Nair’s much-anticipated return to Test cricket has suffered a setback. After nearly nine years away from the format, the Karnataka batter featured in four matches during India’s tour of England earlier this year but struggled to find consistency. As a result, he has been omitted from the squad for the upcoming two-Test series against the West Indies, starting 2 October in Ahmedabad.
Nair, who made a comeback on the strength of impressive domestic performances, managed 205 runs in England with just one fifty to his name. He was asked to bat at multiple positions in the order, including No. 3 and the middle order, and although he contributed in partnerships, he could not convert his starts into big scores.
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar confirmed the decision in Dubai on 24 September, explaining that the team management had expected more from the experienced batter during the challenging series. In his place, young Karnataka left-hander Devdutt Padikkal has been recalled, while Sai Sudharsan retained his spot after batting at No. 3 in England.
Nair’s childhood coach, Vijay Madyalkar, expressed disappointment at the exclusion, arguing that the batter should have been given an opportunity in home conditions. “He got a chance in tough conditions in England. In India, he is best suited. I think they should have given him one more chance,” he told India Today.
The 33-year-old’s recent domestic record highlights his form. He scored 863 runs at an average of 53.93 in the 2024–25 Ranji Trophy and set a world record in the Vijay Hazare Trophy earlier this year by accumulating 542 runs without being dismissed. Following his England stint, Nair also struck a century in the Thimmappaiah Trophy in September.
Despite the disappointment, his coach insists this could serve as motivation. “He will have more hunger now. When you go through highs and lows, you mature. He has that in him and will come back stronger,” Vijay said, adding that the key for Nair is to “keep scoring runs whenever you play.”
Nair, who returned to Karnataka after a stint with Vidarbha, will look to make the most of the upcoming domestic season, particularly the Ranji Trophy, as he mounts another bid to return to India’s Test fold.
With competition for batting spots at its peak, his challenge is steep. Yet, as history shows, Karun Nair has made comebacks before — and will hope to script another in the near future.