Karun Nair, 33, marked his return to the India A side in grand style by scoring a double century on Day 2 of the opening unofficial Test against the England Lions. Making full use of his comeback opportunity, Nair looks set to continue dominating the English bowlers as the match progresses.
His selection in the India A squad came after a phenomenal 2024–25 domestic season. Representing Vidarbha, Nair was a standout performer in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and Ranji Trophy. He scored 779 runs in eight innings in the 50-over tournament and 863 runs in nine Ranji Trophy games, helping Vidarbha beat Kerala in the final.
These outstanding performances revived his chances in the national Test setup, especially after the unexpected retirements of stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Their exits created a vacuum in the middle order, prompting selectors to turn to experienced options like Nair.
Karun Nair’s Double Ton Against Lions Boosts His Chances for India’s Test XI vs England
As a result, he was named in India’s 18-man squad for the upcoming five-Test series against England. Although questions remained over his place in the playing XI, his commanding double century against the Lions may just cement his spot. Karun Nair reached the 200-run mark in the 101st over, driving Eddie Jack for a boundary.
His innings has so far featured 26 fours and a six and has been instrumental in propelling India A to a massive first-innings total on English soil. This knock will undoubtedly boost Nair’s confidence as he eyes a return to international cricket after an eight-year gap.
It also gives him valuable exposure to English conditions ahead of the crucial Test series that will kick off the new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. Meanwhile, Dhruv Jurel narrowly missed a century, falling for 94, while Sarfaraz Khan had been dismissed for 92 on the opening day by Josh Hull.
Despite those near misses, India A’s batters have dominated, putting the English attack under significant pressure. Their immediate target will be to cross the 500-run mark, after which a declaration could be considered.
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